Corn Snake

Red Rat Snake

Elaphe guttata (Pantherophis guttata proposed)

Description

Corn snakes are a medium-sized species of rat snake. The name corn snake may have originated from the attractive patterning of the snakes, which resembles Indian corn. Another possibility for the origin of the name is that corn snakes are frequently found around corn silos or fields (where a substantial number of rodents are usually found as well). Regardless of the origin, corn snakes have been known as such since the 17th century. Naturally corn snakes are tan, orange, red, or grey with a pattern of blotches of red, brown or grey. Selective breeding has produced an immense variety of color and pattern combinations. Everything from white to blue and most colors in between are now available. Corn snakes are unquestionably one of the most beautiful North American snakes. They occasionally reach lengths of more than 6 feet (1.8 meters), but three to five feet (.9-1.2 meters) is more common (with males usually being the larger individuals). They have lived more than 30 years in captivity, but 20+ is more common.

Natural Habitat

Corn snakes are native to North America, ranging from southern New Jersey south to Florida and west to Louisiana and Kentucky. They inhabit pine forest, scrub oak, other woodlands, grasslands and fields, especially areas disturbed by agriculture. Within their range, corn snakes are abundant. It has been suggested that the spread of agriculture may have helped to increase populations of corn snakes. They are crepuscular and secretive and spend much of their time hidden among wood debris or within rodent burrows.

Artificial Habitat

Corn snakes adapt readily to captivity and do not require a lot of space. A 20-gallon aquarium is large enough for an adult snake. Enclosures should be horizontally oriented, but still provide for some vertical climbing as corn snakes occasionally like to perch in branches. The enclosure should also be of a type that can retain some humidity; aquariums with partial screen tops are ideal. Corn snakes are escape artists and as such should be housed in an enclosure that prevents unwanted migrations. They also like to burrow and should be provided with 2-3 inches of a substrate suitable for this behavior. Pine shavings, aspen bedding, cypress mulch, sterile potting soil or another similar substrate should be used. Avoid aromatic wood chips like cedar or walnut as they can be toxic in confined quarters. They should be provided with a basking area of 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit, with a drop of 10-15 degrees on the opposite side. This is most efficiently provided by an undertank heating element such as heating tape, wire or pads. Since corn snakes are crepuscular or nocturnal UV lights are optional, but many keepers are better able to enjoy their snake’s natural coloration with artificial lighting, and UV lighting certainly doesn’t hurt. Hiding spaces or hide boxes are essential for a happy corn snake. Corn snakes are thigmotaxic and feel most comfortable when they are able to confine themselves in a small space. The hiding space, or preferably the hide box, should be just large enough for the snake to squeeze its entire body into. The use of a hide box also affords the opportunity for humidity to build up inside which is also important to a corn snake’s health. A heavy water bowl should be provided and should be deep enough for the snake to fully immerse itself.

Diet

Corn snakes, like all rat snakes, are constrictors. Naturally they feed on lizards, rodents, birds, bats, and other small mammals. In captivity their diet consists predominantly of various sized mice and they adapt very easily to frozen/thawed rodents and even snake sausages or similar convenience-type foods. Ideally, prey items should be 1 to 1 ½ the diameter of the thickest part of the snake’s body.

Caveats

Occasionally a (usually young) corn snake will have a particular affinity for lizards and will eat nothing else. Frequently this can be overcome by gradually switching to rodents that have been scented with a lizard (this can be as simple as rubbing a lizard over the rodent’s fur).

Corn snakes are about the closest a snake could be to being called domesticated. They are docile, rarely aggressive and adapt well to captivity. With proper care they are trouble-free pets.