Corn Snake Pantherophis guttatus (prev. Elaphe guttata)

The Corn Snake is a type of rat snake native to the southeast of the USA. It is a non-venomous constrictor. Its name arose from its association with barns and corn/grain stores where its prey - mice and rats - where common.

Growing to a length of some 4-6 feet, the typical colour form in the wild is an orange background with reddish brown "saddles" and spots bordered with black (see top row). There are slight regional variations on that theme. The belly is white and black checks.

The placid nature, medium size and lack of venom has led to the snake becoming a common pet and to many colour and pattern variations/morphs being bred. Shown are a darker variant and a leucistic/albino corn snake.

Some are bred to accentuate the red. Some are "amelanistic" (lacking black). A "candy-striped" pink and whitish version has also been developed. The photo above centre shows an "Amel Stripe" which is amelanistic as well as striped. Above right shows a "Granite" female.

They are often welcomed around buildings and farms as a predator of mice and rats. However, many are killed out of ignorance, often being mistaken for the venomous Copperhead snake.