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  Common Name(s): Corn Snake   CORN SNAKE    
 
Latin Name: Elaphe guttata
 
Description: Vivid colours of reddish or orange blotches edged in black. Adults can reach 4-5 feet in length. The underside of the corn snake has a chequered pattern.
 
Range: South Eastern and central United States as well as parts of Mexico .
 
Habitat: Pine forests, rocky areas and overgrown fields. During daylight hours they may be found hiding under loose tree bark and beneath rocks and logs.
 
Diet: Carnivores. Diet consists primarily of rodents, birds, lizards and amphibians.
 
Care in Captivity: An appropriate sized, well ventilated and escape proof glass vivarium is ideal. Provide a hide for the snake. Substrates such as paper or beech wood chips are ideal. Temperatures of up to 28oC. Provide a cool area for snake so it does not overheat with temperature no lower than 21oC.  If temperature drops below 15oC snake will start to hibernate. Appropriate sized mice or small rats are eaten. Allow frozen food to defrost thoroughly. Live food must not be used. Fresh clean water must be provided in a container, large enough for the snake to soak in. Spot clean on a daily basis.
 
Fact: The chequered markings on the underside of the snake resembles the colour patterns on grains of Indian corn, hence the name ‘corn’ snake