Corn Snake
(Elaphe guttata guttata)
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Elaphe
Species: Elaphe guttata guttata
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HABITAT AND RANGE:
Corn Snakes live in terrestrial
habitats, such as pine barrens, wood
lots and rocky hillsides. They are more
prevalent than first apparent, because
much of their time is spent underground
resting or hunting in rodent burrows.
They are found from New Jersey to
Florida and west to Louisiana. |
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PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
The cross section of a Corn Snake is
similar to a loaf of bread in its
circumference shape- the flat belly
meets the sides at an angle. As they
mature into adults, Corn Snakes develop
small keels, or ridges, down the center
in some of the mid-dorsal rows of
scales. They are also known as the “red
rat snake” and belong to the same family
as the yellow and black rat snakes, the
Colubrids. This family makes up half of
all known snakes. The Corn Snake is
rather small, reaching a maximum of 6
feet in length. Bold red and orange are
the base colors on the top, but Corn
Snakes are subject to much individual
variation. Varieties from lower
elevations are more colored, while
individuals from higher elevations
exhibit more brown. The underside is
checkered black and white, like Indian
corn or maize. The Corn Snake is a
non-venomous constrictor. |
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ADAPTATIONS:
The Corn Snake climbs well, but is most
often terrestrial. They exhibit an
interesting threat display. They raise
as much of their bodies off the ground
that can be supported, while keeping the
aerial portion of their body in an
S-curve. The mouth is held open and the
snake hisses. They also vibrate their
tails when alarmed. |
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DIET:
Corn Snakes prey primarily on small
rodents and birds. They will
occasionally eat lizards and frogs. They
usually do not feed every day, but every
couple of days. |
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REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT:
The Corn Snake is oviparous, or
egg-laying. They breed in spring, as
soon as they come out of hibernation.
Gravid, or egg-carrying females have
been found as early as April in the
northern part of their range. Twelve to
24 eggs are laid in a nest, which is
typically underground. Incubation is
approximately 10 weeks. The offspring
are about one foot in length when
hatched. There is no parental care after
hatching. |
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STATUS IN WILD:
They are not endangered in the wild.
However, they are often mistaken for
Copperheads and killed. They are the
most frequently bred snake for the pet
trade. |
