Corn Snake

Authored By: Wilson

Elaphe guttata
Corn Snake

CNSN

Status

The Corn Snake is common throughout its range. The Lower Florida Keys population, is state listed as a species of special concern.

Description

The Corn Snake is a colorful and large (76–182 cm) snake. This snake is red, orange, gray or brown with prominent red or orange blotches outlined with black. The head bears a spear-shaped pattern and the venter consists of a black and white checkerboard pattern. Three subspecies have been described: emoryi, guttata, and rosacea. Most recent authors do not recognize the subspecific status of E. g. rosacea.

Distribution

The Corn Snake ranges from New Jersey south to the Florida Keys, and westward to New Mexico and Colorado. A disjunct population exists in Utah and Nevada.

Habitat

Corn Snakes are fairly secretive, spending much of the time concealed under surface cover, in stumps, under bark, or in the burrows of other animals. This species is a good climber, but it is usually found on the ground. It is most common in pine flatwoods, mixed pine-hardwood forest types, pine sandhill areas, and similar pine habitats. Additionally, it is commonly found around abandoned farms, and occasionally frequents cypress-tupelo swamps and bottomland hardwoods.

Special Requirements

This snake prefers open woodland areas with abundant logs, stumps, and surface cover.

Breeding Habits

The Corn Snake breeds during early and late spring. Females deposit 3—27 eggs during the summer. Young hatch in late summer, usually late August to September.

Food Habits

The Corn Snake is a powerful constrictor and feeds upon small mammals, lizards, birds, and occasionally amphibians.

Management Suggestions

The Corn Snake prefers open woodlands. Management practices such as selective cutting and periodic burning create and maintain favorable habitat for this species. Food plots or farmland adjacent to forested areas provide food for rodents, which in turn benefits the Corn Snake by providing ample prey items.