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Eastern Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus)
DescriptionThis medium-sized snake is patterned with a series of large, alternating brownish to reddish blotches on a lighter gray, brown, or reddish background. These blotches are often bordered in black. A spearhead shape marks the top of the head. The belly is checkered black and white, giving it an appearance of maize. (Thus "corn snake".) This species was long considered the same species as the Great Plains Rat Snake and newly recognized Slowinski's Corn Snake. Recently, these "variations" have been elevated to full species status. In Arkansas, their ranges do not overlap. While superficially this species resembles the Prairie Kingsnake, the spearhead marking present on the head of the Corn Snake is usually sufficient for identification. An imaginary cross-section of this species, as with all of the Rat Snakes, would be shaped like "a loaf of bread" (i.e. rounded top, steep sides, and flat belly). As young, this species can be distinguished from the Western Rat Snake by considering the dark bar that runs through each eye. In the Corn Snake, this bar extends through the jawline and onto the neck whereas in the Western Rat Snake the bar extends only to the jawline where it stops abruptly. This species is also known as the Red Rat Snake. HabitatsAlthough not confirmed to occur in Arkansas, in other parts of its range this species is known to utilize a variety of habitats so long as an abundance of rodent prey is available. They may show a preference toward drier, more exposed habitats. Farmlands can provide ideal conditions for this species. Habits and Life HistoryThe habits of this species are typical of other rat snakes. During the day, they are likely to hide in unused rodent burrows, under rocks or logs, or in similar spots. Most activity occurs at night or during twilight hours. They are good climbers and seem as much at ease off the ground as on it. As a staple of the pet trade and subject of extensive field studies, much is known of the reproductive biology of this species (though obviously not in Arkansas). The pattern might be described as a "gold standard" for North American Colubrids: breeding occurs in the spring with females laying eggs in the early summer, hatching occurs in late summer. Prey and Hunting TechniquesThis species is known to consume a variety of warmblooded prey, especially rodents. Birds and their eggs may also fall prey. An active forager, this species hunts wherever the scent trail leads, whether that be through a rodent burrow or high into a tree. Prey is grasped by the mouth (with sharp, back-turned teeth) and quickly constricted. Temperament and DefenseAlthough usually docile, this species may bite and/or musk in defense. ConservationAs this species is not confirmed to occur in the state, no special status is attributed. In other parts of its range, it is a victim of habitat destruction and overzealous collection. It is a highly popular, well-established, and relatively inexpensive snake of the pet trade. Given the vast variety of color morphs now available from captive bred and born individuals, continued collection from the wild is widely considered unnecessary (even unethical) and should be strongly discouraged. State Distribution and Abundance
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