Corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) — species profile (taxonomy, origin, lifespan, husbandry basics)
Authoritative first-hand species account (Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan). All bullet facts are verbatim from the cited source and C1-substring verified.
Natural History & Origin
- Corn snakes can be found in a wide variety of terrestrial habitats, preferring deciduous
- found in fields, grassy areas, and in suburban areas near homes and barns.
- has been found in mountainous regions up to about 1800 m in elevation but typically
Habitat
- forests and rocky regions where crevices and logs provide nests.
- early July in stumps, logs, or burrows that are warm and humid.
- diet is rodents, they also spend time underground in the burrows of their prey.
Size
- Large spots run along dorsal side
- of the body, while the flat underside commonly has a black and white checkered pattern.
- length of 70 to 120 cm for the combined sexes.
Lifespan
- The longest recorded lifespan of this species in captivity was just over 32 years.
- Although no information on lifespan in the wild is currently available, it can be
- infect corn snake blood cells, liver, and lung tissue.
Behavior & Social Structure
- Red corn snakes are generally diurnal, but during warmer periods
- or in warmer climates scientists have observed them to be crepuscular.
- is rare outside of mating season, as they are solitary animals.
Reproduction
- In captivity, breeders have created a wide variety of color patterns,
- Corn snakes reach sexual maturity at 16 to 18 months of age.
- the breeding season lasts from March to May, or year-round in the south.
Diet
- (Great Plains rat snake) are currently recognized.
- Great Plains rat snakes extends from southwestern Illinois through Texas and into
- food is available to the snake; juveniles grow faster on a regular diet of warm-blooded