Corn Snake

Pantherophis guttata guttata

Alternate Name(s):

Red Rat Snake

 

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

This, in both natural and human contrived colors, is probably the best known of the American snakes. It has been captive bred by the tens of thousands and rather than the half dozen natural color phases, there are now dozens of line bred colorations available. Because of escapes and releases of pets it is now possible to find this snake well out of its native range. In fact feral examples have been found as far west as CA and as far north as IL. Adult at 3 ½ to 4 ½ feet with some individuals attaining 6 feet in length. A large, variably colored, harmless, but often defensive snake. Back and sides may be gray, red, tan, cinnamon, or brown. The dorsal and lateral blotches are of some shade of red or brown with red being the more common. Blotches are edged with black. The belly is a checkerboard of black and white. The underside of the tail is striped. Scales are smooth on the sides and weakly keeled on the back. Oviparous. Hatchlings are similar to adults.

 

Unique Features:

Although their colors may vary, most corn snakes are of some shade of red with darker, black edged blotches along the back. There is a forward pointing spearpoint on the top of the head.

 

Habitat and Diet:

Shrub edged, rocky to clear sandy bottomed rivers and streams. Although predominantly aquatic, this snake bas

 

Geographic Range:

FL, GA, SC, Al, NC, TN, KY, VA, WV, AR, LA, MD, MS, NJ,