Quick answer
Corn Snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) are reptiles found across North America. The gentle, colorful beginner's pet snake. Adults typically weigh About 0.9 kg (2 lb), reach speeds of up to 5 km/h (3 mph), and live 15–20 years in captivity. They feed on carnivore and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Fields, woodlands, and farmland across the southeastern and central United States.
Key takeaway
Corn Snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) are reptiles found across North America. The gentle, colorful beginner's pet snake. Adults typically weigh About 0.9 kg (2 lb), reach speeds of up to 5 km/h (3 mph), and live 15–20 years in captivity. They feed on carnivore and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Fields, woodlands, and farmland across the southeastern and central United States.
Corn Snake overview
Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is a reptile listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight About 0.9 kg (2 lb); lifespan around 15–20 years in captivity.
Corn Snake ecology
Diet: Carnivore. Habitat: Fields, woodlands, and farmland. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Corn Snakes and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild corn snakes are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Corn Snake profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Range and habitat
Corn Snakes inhabit Fields, woodlands, and farmland across the southeastern and central United States. Their preferred habitat includes fields, woodlands, and farmland, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term persistence across North America.
Physical characteristics and behaviour
Adult corn snakes typically measure about 1.4 m in length and weigh About 0.9 kg (2 lb). They can sprint at up to 5 km/h (3 mph) when hunting or escaping predators. Corn Snakes are known for the gentle, colorful beginner's pet snake — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.
Sources
Corn Snake FAQs
What are key facts about corn snakes?
Corn Snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) are reptiles found across North America. The gentle, colorful beginner's pet snake. Adults typically weigh About 0.9 kg (2 lb), reach speeds of up to 5 km/h (3 mph), and live 15–20 years in captivity. They feed on carnivore and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Fields, woodlands, and farmland across the southeastern and central United States.
What is the scientific name of the corn snake?
Pantherophis guttatus — used in research and conservation listings for corn snakes.
What do corn snakes eat?
Corn Snakes are described as carnivores, with seasonal and regional variation in Fields, woodlands, and farmland.
Where do corn snakes live?
They are associated with Fields, woodlands, and farmland. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of corn snakes?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.