Scientific Name and Classification

• Common Name: Corn snake
• Scientific Name: Pantherophis guttatus
• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Squamata
• Family: Colubridae
• Genus: Pantherophis
• Species: P. guttatus

🐍 Introduction

The corn snake is a gentle, non-venomous snake. It is common in the southeastern United States. It helps farmers by eating mice and rats. It is a popular beginner pet.

🦎 Appearance

Adults are 2.5–5 ft (0.8–1.5 m). Wild types are orange or brown with red blotches and black borders. The belly shows a checkerboard pattern. Many color morphs exist in captivity.

🌍 Habitat

Lives in forests, fields, barns, and edges of farms. Hides under logs, boards, and debris. Range includes the southeastern U.S.

🍽 Diet

Eats rodents, small birds, and lizards. Hunts by smell and sight. Grabs prey and constricts lightly. Swallows prey whole.

🔄 Life Cycle

Egg-laying snake. Females lay 10–30 eggs in warm, hidden places. Eggs hatch in about 60–70 days. Young are independent. Lifespan can be 10–20+ years in care.

🐾 Behavior and Social Structure

Shy and mostly crepuscular or nocturnal in heat. Climbs well and explores. Rarely bites when handled gently. Uses musk to deter predators.

🛡 Conservation Status

Least Concern overall. Threats include habitat loss and road deaths. Protected in some areas from overcollection.

🎭 Cultural Significance

Favored in classrooms and nature centers. Teaches about safe, non-venomous snakes. Helps reduce fear of reptiles.

✨ Fun Facts

• Named for the corn-like belly pattern.
• Excellent climber and escape artist.
• Comes in many color morphs.
• Very popular beginner pet snake.

📌 Key Takeaways

• Non-venomous snake from the U.S. Southeast.
• Helpful to farms by eating rodents.
• Egg-laying with 10–30 eggs.
• Gentle, calm, and easy to handle.
• Many colors in captivity.

🐾 Kid-Friendly Summary

The corn snake is a colorful, friendly snake. It eats mice that harm crops. It is safe to humans and often kept as a pet. It helps people and nature.

📚 Vocabulary Words

• Non-venomous – Does not use venom.
• Checkerboard – A pattern of squares like a checkerboard.
• Musk – A strong-smelling fluid used for defense.
• Constrict – To squeeze prey.
• Morph – A color or pattern variety.
• Nocturnal – Active at night.
• Crepuscular – Active at dawn and dusk.
• Habitat – The place an animal lives.

🧠 Interactive Quiz: Test Your Corn Snake Knowledge

1. Where do corn snakes come from?
   • A. Southeast United States
   • B. Northern Europe
   • C. North Africa
   • D. Arctic tundra
2. What pattern is on the belly?
   • A. Stripes only
   • B. Checkerboard
   • C. Polka dots
   • D. Zigzag only
3. True or False: Corn snakes are venomous.
   • True
   • False
4. What do corn snakes mostly eat?
   • A. Leaves
   • B. Rodents
   • C. Fish
   • D. Insects only
5. How many eggs can a corn snake lay?
   • A. 1–3
   • B. 4–6
   • C. 10–30
   • D. 100+