Kenneth L. Krysko photo.
Scientific name: Elaphe guttata
The following key will separate the two subspecies of corn snakes that are found in Florida. If you are unable to distinguish between the subspecies using the characteristics in the key below, you should be able to do so using geographic location alone.
| 1a | Black borders around the dorsal and lateral blotches, a checkerboard pattern on the belly, stripes on the underside of the tail, and a spear-shape on the top of the head and neck; Florida peninsula and west through the panhandle to Louisiana and north to southern New Jersey. | Corn
Snake, Elaphe guttata guttata |
| 1b | Typical corn snake color patterns (black borders around the dorsal and lateral blotches, checkerboard belly pattern, stripes under the tail, and spear-shape on the head and neck) reduced or absent; Florida Keys. | Keys
Corn Snake, Elaphe guttata rosacea |
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