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)
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.
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:
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).
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.
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.
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.
