Corn Snake

General Overview

• Common Name: Corn Snake

• Scientific Name: Pantherophis guttatus

• Family: Colubridae

• Native Range: Southeastern and central United States

• Habitat: Forest edges, overgrown fields, farmlands, barns, rocky hillsides, and abandoned buildings

• Lifespan: 10–15 years in the wild; up to 20+ years in captivity

• Size: Typically 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m) long; some individuals reach 6 feet (1.8 m)

�� Identification

• Coloration:
  Wild-type corn snakes (also called “normal” or “classic”) are orange or brownish-yellow with black-bordered red blotches down the back and a checkered belly resembling maize (hence the name corn snake).

• Pattern Variations:
  Over 800 color and pattern morphs exist in captivity — including albino, snow, bloodred, anerythristic, and caramel morphs.

• Head Markings:
  Typically have a distinct spear-shaped or V-shaped mark on the head.

Habitat and Distribution

• Geographic Range:
  Found throughout the southeastern U.S., from New Jersey and Florida west to Texas and parts of Kansas.

• Habitat Preferences:
  Prefer warm, dry areas with plenty of cover — such as woodlands, grasslands, and abandoned structures. They are excellent climbers and burrowers.

� Diet and Hunting

• Diet:
  Primarily feed on small rodents (mice, rats), but also eat birds, eggs, frogs, and small lizards.

• Hunting Method:
  They are constrictors — they bite to grab prey, coil around it, and suffocate it before swallowing whole.

• Activity:
  Mainly nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk).

Reproduction

• Breeding Season: March–May

• Egg-laying: Females lay 10–30 eggs in early summer in warm, moist areas (like under logs or in leaf litter).

• Incubation: 60–70 days; hatchlings are 10–15 inches (25–38 cm) long.

• Maturity: Reach sexual maturity at 2–3 years of age.

� Behavior

• Temperament:
  Calm and non-aggressive; one of the most docile snake species. Rarely bite unless threatened.

• Defensive Behavior:
  When frightened, they may vibrate their tails (imitating rattlesnakes) and release a foul musk.

• Climbing:
  Skilled climbers — often found in trees, rafters, or high shelves when kept in captivity.

Corn Snakes as Pets

• Tank Size: Minimum 20-gallon for juveniles; 40–75 gallons for adults.

• Temperature Gradient: 75–85°F (24–29°C) daytime, 70°F (21°C) nighttime; basking spot around 88–90°F (31–32°C).

• Humidity: 40–60%.

• Substrate: Aspen shavings, cypress mulch, or paper towels.

• Feeding: Pre-killed mice every 7–10 days (juveniles more often).

• Handling: Very tolerant; handle gently and regularly to maintain tameness.