Corn Snake

The corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus), sometimes called the red rat snake, is a slender, non-venomous constrictor in the family Colubridae. Adults measure roughly 61-182 cm (2-6 ft) in total length.

The natural look is an orange or brown body with large red blotches outlined in black down the back, and a belly with alternating black and white marks in a chequer pattern. In the wild, Corn Snakes live across the southeastern and central United States. Kept in captivity, they come in a wide variety of colours and patterns.

They are one of the most popular pet snakes, second only to the ball python, thanks to their size, calm temperament and ease of care.

Corn Snakes are native to North America, found from New Jersey down to the Florida Keys. The name is recorded in English as far back as 1675. One explanation is that they were often found near grain stores, hunting the mice and rats that ate harvested corn. Another is that the chequered belly resembles the kernels of variegated Indian corn.

They were once placed in the genus Elaphe, and many references still use the name Elaphe guttata. Until 2002 the Great Plains rat snake was counted as a subspecies, but it has since been split off as its own species. Molecular data show Corn Snakes are more closely related to kingsnakes than to the Old World rat snakes.

After many generations of selective breeding, captive Corn Snakes now appear in tens of thousands of possible colour and pattern combinations, called morphs, and new ones appear every year. Beyond their home range they are popular pets in places such as Brazil, and in much of Australia they are a proscribed pest.

Corn Snakes are known for a calm temperament, and captive ones tolerate being handled, even for extended periods.

In the wild they prey on small animals by constriction, mainly rodents, and they also take reptiles, amphibians and bird eggs. Smell matters most to them for finding prey, with sight of secondary importance. They show nocturnal patterns and can climb trees and other raised surfaces.

When threatened they can vibrate their tail and give off a foul-smelling musk. A 1999 study found their spatial learning rivals that of birds and rodents. In cold regions they brumate over winter and are less active.

In the wild, Corn Snakes usually live ten to fifteen years, but in captivity they can reach 23 years or more. The oldest on record in captivity reached 32 years and 3 months.

Snake fungal disease, caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, is a recognised disease in this species.

They are not venomous and are harmless to humans.

This is general awareness only, not veterinary advice. Always consult a vet about your pet's health.

Are corn snakes venomous?

No. Corn Snakes lack functional venom and are harmless to humans. Their ancestors were venomous, but the venom was lost after they evolved constriction.

How long do corn snakes live?

Usually ten to fifteen years in the wild. In captivity they can live to 23 years or more, with a record of 32 years and 3 months.

Do corn snakes make good pets?

They are among the most popular pet snakes, second only to the ball python. Their size, calm temperament and ease of care all add to the appeal, and they tolerate handling well.

How big do corn snakes get?

Adults can be about 61-182 cm (2-6 ft) long, including the tail. Hatchlings emerge at about 13 cm (5 in).

Is a corn snake the same as a copperhead?

No, though they look a little alike and Corn Snakes are often killed by mistake. Corn Snakes have brighter colours, a slender build, a slim head, round pupils and no heat-sensing pits.

The genus name Pantherophis means "panther snake", and the species name guttatus means "spotted" in Latin, both nodding to the patterned skin.

Corn Snakes have been bred with California kingsnakes to produce fertile hybrids known as jungle corn snakes.

The female lays 12-24 eggs and then leaves them. Around 10 weeks later the hatchlings slice their way out using a special scale called an egg tooth.

In the wild they help control rodent pests that damage crops and spread disease.

Morph names include Blizzard, Snow, Lavender and Candy-cane, and scaleless Corn Snakes also exist.