Corn Snake

1 Overview

The corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is one of the most popular pet snakes worldwide: docile, easy to care for, and bred in countless colour morphs.

SOURCE NOTE: the source listed the older name ‘Elaphe guttata guttata’; the current genus is Pantherophis.

2 Appearance

Slender, 1-1.5 m, with orange to red blotches outlined in black over a grey-orange ground, and a distinctive black-and-white checkered belly. Morphs range from amelanistic to snow.

3 Care & Temperament

Ideal for beginners: a secure terrestrial terrarium with a temperature gradient, a hide, and a water bowl. Generally calm and feed reliably.

The occasional issue is anorexia during shedding or acclimation.

4 Habitat & Environment

Woodland, farmland, and grassland in the southeastern US. Mimic with a substrate for burrowing, cover, a basking spot, and moderate humidity.

5 Diet & Feeding

Feeds on appropriately sized rodents every 1-2 weeks. Hatchlings take pinkies; adults take adult mice. Easy and consistent feeders.