Kaleidoscope Corn Snakes
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Elaphe
Guttata: The
Latin word elaphe means deerskin; guttata means speckled or
spotted. Both terms apply to corns snakes:
their skin feels like finely tanned deerskin, and
the
patterns on their back create spots or speckles.
GENERAL INFORMATION Wild Corn Snakes are vary greatly in coloration and pattern depending on the age of the snake and the region of the country in which it is found. (See the Classic/Normal color patterns.) Many are very colorful snakes with most adults displaying vivid colors of reddish or orange blotches edged in black with a gray, tan or orange colored background. The belly of the snake usually consists of alternating rows of black and white squares, resembling a checkerboard pattern. Corn Snakes from the western North Carolina region tend to be much duller in coloration than those from other areas. Hatchlings are born without the bright colors of the adults and will grow into their color pattern in the first 12-18 months of life. Adult Corn Snakes typically range from about 3 to 5 feet in length. HABITS AND HABITATS In the wild, Corn Snakes tend to be quite secretive and appear to be active mostly at at dusk and at night. During daylight hours they may be found hiding under loose tree bark and beneath logs, rocks, and other debris. If disturbed, they may strike at the intruder while vibrating their tail. The sound of the vibrating tail may resemble the buzz of a rattlesnake, fooling some predators in to leaving them alone. Corn Snakes prefer habitats such as overgrown fields, forest openings, and abandoned or seldom used buildings where their favorite food of mice and other small rodents is abundant. Corn Snakes are excellent climbers and often climb high in trees looking for nestling birds and other prey. Corn Snakes overpower their prey by first biting to obtain a firm grip, then quickly wrapping one or more coils of their body around the victim, squeezing tightly until it suffocates. The Corn Snake then swallows its food whole, usually beginning with the head of the animal. Like most other snakes, Corn Snakes do not usually eat every day and may often go for days or weeks between feedings. Corn Snakes usually breed in spring with females laying their eggs in early summer. The eggs are not cared for by the adult snake. They are laid in rotting stumps, in piles of decaying vegetation or other similar locations where there is sufficient heat and humidity to incubate them. The eggs hatch in 2 to 3 months. Young corn snakes often feed on small lizards and frogs until they grow large enough to overpower larger prey. Because of their beautiful coloration and docile temperament as captives, Corn Snakes are often kept as and pets tame quickly. With proper care a corn snake in captivity may live ten to fifteen years. Corn Snakes also readily breed in captivity and an amazing number of new color patterns and variations have been produced by hobbyists - see the genetics page.
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