Corn Snake
Pantherophis guttatus · Reptile, Vertebrate, Cold-blooded, Wild
Animal Family
Family Colubridae, order Squamata, class Reptilia
Animal Category
Reptile/Amphibian
Breed / Variety
Nominate subspecies or standard morph
Conservation Status
Least Concern, population trend is stable
About This Creature
Slender snake with patterned scales, typically ranging from 2.4 to 6 feet in length, featuring shades of orange, brown, and red with dark borders
Physical Characteristics
Scaled body with distinct dorsal blotches, round pupils, specialized head scales, and the ability to shed its entire outer layer of skin during ecdysis
Behavior & Temperament
Solitary, primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, docile temperament, uses constriction to subdue prey, relies on camouflage for defense
Habitat & Diet
Origin Region
Southeastern and central regions of the United States
Habitat
Forest, Grassland/Savanna, Agricultural, Terrestrial and semi-fossorial
Diet & Nutrition
Carnivore, primarily feeding on small rodents such as mice and rats, hunted through constriction and swallowed whole
Lifespan & Health
Typically lives 6 to 8 years in the wild and up to 15 to 20 years in captivity; prone to respiratory infections and incomplete shedding if humidity is incorrect
Special Characteristics
Frequently kept as a popular pet due to docile nature, undergoes periodic shedding of its skin to accommodate growth, non-venomous
Ecological Information
Acts as an important predator controlling rodent populations within its native ecosystem