Corn Snake
Pantherophis guttatus
Quick answer
The corn snake is a slender, non-venomous North American snake known for its orange-and-red blotched pattern and calm temperament. It is a constrictor that feeds mainly on rodents, helping control pests around farms and fields. Easy to keep and handle, the corn snake is one of the most popular pet snakes in the world and can live 15 to 20 years.
Corn Snake facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Pantherophis guttatus |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Fields, woodlands, and farmland |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years in captivity |
| Length | 0.6–1.8 m (2–6 ft) |
| Weight | About 0.9 kg (2 lb) |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Colubridae |
| Genus | Pantherophis |
Where it lives
Fields, woodlands, and farmland across the southeastern and central United States.
Behavior and temperament
Corn snakes are generally calm and rarely bite, which is a big reason for their popularity as pets. They are good climbers and burrowers and are most active around dawn and dusk. When threatened in the wild, a corn snake may vibrate its tail in dry leaves, mimicking a rattlesnake to bluff predators.
Diet and feeding
Corn snakes are constrictors that feed mainly on rodents such as mice and rats, along with birds and their eggs. By hunting rodents around barns and fields, they provide valuable natural pest control, which is part of how they got their name. In captivity they are usually fed appropriately sized frozen-thawed rodents.
Habitat and range
Corn snakes are native to the southeastern and central United States, where they live in fields, woodlands, farmland, and abandoned buildings. They favor places with plenty of cover and a steady supply of rodents. During colder months they shelter in burrows and crevices and become inactive.
As a pet
Corn snakes are widely considered one of the best beginner pet snakes because they stay a manageable size, are docile, and have simple care needs. They require a secure enclosure, as they are skilled escape artists, along with a warm side, a cool side, and hiding spots. Selective breeding has produced a huge range of color and pattern morphs.
Frequently asked questions about the Corn Snake
Are corn snakes venomous?
No. Corn snakes are non-venomous constrictors. They are harmless to humans and kill their small prey by squeezing rather than with venom.
Are corn snakes good pets for beginners?
Yes. Corn snakes are among the most recommended beginner snakes because they stay a manageable size, are docile, tolerate handling, and have straightforward care requirements.
What do corn snakes eat?
Corn snakes are carnivores that mainly eat rodents such as mice and rats, plus birds and eggs in the wild. Captive corn snakes are usually fed frozen-thawed rodents.
How long do corn snakes live?
With good care, corn snakes commonly live 15 to 20 years in captivity, and some individuals live longer, so they are a long-term commitment.
How big do corn snakes get?
Adult corn snakes typically reach 0.9 to 1.5 m (3 to 5 ft) long, with some growing up to about 1.8 m (6 ft). They remain slender and lightweight.
Why are they called corn snakes?
The name likely comes from their habit of hunting rodents in and around corn stores, and from the checkered belly pattern that resembles kernels of maize.
