Typical color of adult (left), and view showing the black
and white checkerboard pattern on the belly (right).
Kenneth L. Krysko photos.
Scientific name: Elaphe guttata guttata
Description: Average adult size is 18-44 inches (45.7-111.7 cm), record is 72 inches (182.8 cm). Adults are orangish-brown with black bordered orange, red, or brownish blotches. The belly usually is a black and white checkerboard pattern, though orange may also be present. The underside of the tail has 2 black stripes. There is a spear-shaped pattern on the head and neck. The scales are weakly keeled, and there are 27-29 dorsal scale rows at midbody. The pupil is round. Juveniles are similar in appearance to adults, but may be more brownish in coloration.
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Corn snakes are one of the most colorful snakes in Florida. |
 Kenneth L. Krysko photo. |
Spear-shaped pattern on top of corn snake's head and neck. |
 Kenneth L. Krysko photo. |
Two dark stripes on underside of corn snake's tail. |
 Kenneth L. Krysko photo. |
Individuals from the southeastern peninsula may be grayish with distinct blotches. |
 Kenneth L. Krysko photo. |
Occasionally, individuals from the southern peninsula are anerythristic, meaning they lack all red pigment, which gives them a grayish body with black blotches. Notice the black and white checkerboard pattern in the belly. |
Corn snake: Left to right: Top of the head; underside
of the head (chin and throat).
Corn snake: Left to right: Side of the head; front (face
view) of the head.
Range: It is found throughout peninsular Florida. The species ranges west to Louisiana to north to southern New Jersey.
Habitat: Commonly found near pinelands, hardwood hammocks, swamps, agricultural fields, and residential areas.
Comments: 
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The corn snake is primarily active at night. It is both a terrestrial
borrower and extremely good climber. It is found under rocks and logs,
and in trees under bark and within palm fronds.
It feeds on lizards, frogs, rodents, and birds and their eggs.
It lays eggs. Breeding occurs from April-June, 3-40 eggs are laid during the summer, and newborns hatch from July-September. It can live up to 22 years in captivity.
The name, 'Corn Snake', is a holdover from the days when southern farmers stored harvested ears of corn in a wood frame or log building called a crib. Rats and mice came to the corncrib to feed on the corn, and corn snakes came to feed on the rodents. It is hard to imagine a better man-made habitat, with rafters and logs on which the snakes could climb and hide, and they paid for using it by eating the pesky rodents.
Comparison with other species: The mole kingsnakes (Lampropeltis calligaster) have a light Y-shaped pattern on the back of the head and neck, a clouded brownish belly, and lack a distinct neck.
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