The Corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) can be found in the eastern United States, from southern New Jersey to south, passing through Florida, to western Louisiana and parts of Kentucky. But, the Corn snake is most abundant in Florida and the southeastern United States.

The Corn snake has a beautiful pattern of brown to red spots on a gray background, brown to orange-red. The belly of the corn snake is white with steel-blue to black spots. There is a V-shaped pattern on the head. The rump is thin and the head small compared to the body, with a round pupil and only slightly separated from the body.

The Corn snake can be found in groves, rocky slopes, Meadows, Plots, barns and abandoned buildings.

The Corn snake is mainly nocturnal, but usually active in the early afternoon. They easily climb trees and enter abandoned buildings in search of prey. But, they are very stealthy and spend most of their time underground prowling the burrows of rodents.. They also usually hide during the day under loose bark and under logs., rocks and other debris. Not much is known about the reproductive behavior of the Corn snake.

The breeding season of the Corn snake goes from March to May. Snakes are oviparous and deposit a clutch of 10 to 30 eggs between the end of May and July. Eggs are laid on rotten stumps, piles of decaying vegetation or other similar places where there is enough heat and moisture to incubate them. Eggs are not cared for by adult snakes. Once put, the gestation period of the eggs is 60 to 65 days at approximately 28º. Eggs hatch sometime between July and September. The pups measure between 25 and 38 cm long and mature in 18-36 months.

The Corn snake does not usually feed every day. Usually, are fed every few days, More or less. The young tend to feed on lizards and tree frogs, while adults feed on larger prey, like mice, Rats, birds and bats. They are constrictors, which means they use their coils to choke their food before eating it.. First of all, the Corn snake bites its prey to grab it firmly and, then, quickly envelops the victim with one or more spirals of their body. The snake squeezes hard until it suffocates the prey. Then he swallows the food whole., usually headfirst. But, the Corn snake swallowing small live prey.

State of conservation ⓘ
Minor Concern ⓘ (UICN)ⓘ

The Corn snake is often confused with the Copperheads and sometimes she is killed for it. It also, due to his docile temperament, are usually kept as pets. Sometimes they are caught in the wild to sell as pets.. But, there are many snake breeders, so wild capture does not pose a serious threat to this species.

The Corn snake is not an endangered species. But, are listed by the state of Florida as a Species of Special Concern because they face habitat loss and destruction in the lower Florida Keys.

The Corn snake is the secret queen among terrarium animals. For many years they have been among the most popular and well-known snakes for the terrarium. The reasons are multiple. May be due to attractiveness, the tranquility or ease of maintenance of reptiles. If you are thinking of acquiring a snake, the Corn snake it's a good option. These exotics are ideal for the first steps in the exciting world of terraristics.

The Corn snake is the ideal cohabitant. They are visually appealing, interesting to see, calm, cozy and only demand little from their surroundings. A pet dream! Thus, it is not surprising that more and more terrarium aficionados are acquiring a Corn snake. Beginners, in particular, benefit from the exotic easy care.

As the animal should not roam freely on the floor, you, as owner, you need a terrarium. This must have minimum dimensions of 100 x 50 x 70 cm for the benefit of the animal. But, this information is not set in stone. Depends on the size and number of reptiles. Large animals or a group of corn snakes will require, of course, a larger terrarium.

The Corn snake is twilight and nocturnal. At night they usually roam the terrarium for hours in search of prey. In spring, which is also the mating season, are also active during the day. If animals are well kept, are already sexually mature by the age of two or three. The Corn snake can live on 12 to 15 years. The record is 25 years!

The interior design of the terrarium should reflect the natural habitat of the Corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus). A terrarium earth substrate, bark mulch or bark bed can serve you here. Avoid sand that is too fine. But, mixed with coconut fiber, coarse beach sand is a very good substrate. Suitable hiding places are overturned pots and flat stones, as well as the pieces of bark.

To the Corn snake likes to climb a lot. This behavior must be taken into account when designing the terrarium. It is advisable to offer climbers isolated climbing opportunities. Here we refer explicitly to wood or roots. It also, in the terrarium there should be a drinker with fresh water.

The Corn snake is a very calm and peaceful creature. Flatmates accepted. These beautiful exotics can easily be maintained individually, in pairs or in groups with several congeners. There is also no danger to you as a human. The Corn snake is not poisonous.

To the Corn snake likes warmth and comfort. During the day, the temperature in the terrarium should be between 24 and 27 degrees Celsius. At night the temperature can be 5 colder degrees. A radiant heater is absolutely enough. No additional floor heating needed. The humidity should be between 50 and the 60 %. To increase humidity, it is recommended to spray the terrarium at regular intervals.

An environment that is too dry can lead to problems during molting.

The food and nutrition of the Corn snake it's very simple. Animals effortlessly accept food (mice and rats). Most owners give their vipers frozen food.

Some 4 weeks after fertilization, females put between 10 and 20 eggs. The eggs, very soft at first, they are usually glued. It is not recommended to separate eggs, as they could be damaged quickly. So, it is advisable to transfer the glued parts to the incubator in one piece. If you wait too long, eggs can stick to the terrarium or furniture and it is not safe to remove them. Fill the cavities between the eggs with dried vermiculite.

At 27°C the incubation time is about 80 days, at higher temperatures about 10-15 days less. But, constant temperatures above 30 degrees. Shortly before hatching, eggs reach a size of about 4,5 cm.. We will keep young animals individually. This prevents stress from animals and allows for better care..

After many generations of selective breeding , the Corn snake Bred in captivity is found in a wide variety of different colors and patterns. These result from the recombination of dominant and recessive genes that encode proteins involved in development., maintenance or function of chromatophores . New variations, or morphs, are available each year as breeders gain a better understanding of the genetics involved.

Before buying animals, find out if there are any special legal regulations that must be respected.
The price of a "Corn snake" at the exotic animal market , ranges between 80 – 120 EUR.

1. Corn snake (English).
2. Serpent des blés (French).
3. Kornnatter, Gewöhnliche Kornnatter (German).
4. Cobra-do-milho, Cobra-do-milharal (Portuguese).
5. "Serpiente del maíz" (español).

The Reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) it is native to Southeast Asia and western Bangladesh to southeastern Vietnam and on the Indo-Pacific islands west of New Guinea.. Other reports have shown the presence of the Reticulated python in eastern Sudan Africa and in northern Queensland and the Northern Territory in Australia. This species has been introduced to South Florida, as a direct result of the negative effects of pet importation.

The Reticulated python is light yellowish to brown on the dorsal part of its body, with black lines extending from the ventral area of the eyes diagonally to the muzzle. Sometimes there is another black line on the snake's head that extends from the end of the muzzle to the base of the skull or nape of the neck.. Along the back of the Reticulated python there is a repeated pattern of black X's that create diamond-shaped patterns. Younger pythons have been reported to have latitudinal lines with black-rimmed spots along their body..

One way to distinguish this species from similar ones is to examine the upper jaw near the front of the muzzle.. The reticulated python has the presence of a suborbital portion of the maxilla (upper jaw) that lacks a lateral or protruding figure.

In general, this species has shown that females grow much larger than males in terms of size and weight.. The average female can grow up to 6,09 m and 90 kg in contrast to the male who has an average of 4,5 m long and up to 45 kg.

The Reticulated python it is rarely found in captivity and is more commonly found in the wild. Its large size makes it difficult to provide an area large enough to keep a healthy python in captivity.. But, on average, the Reticulated python lives longer in captivity because their environment and food sources are well maintained in a controlled area.

The longest known life of a Reticulated python in captivity is 32 years. This species may have difficulty finding adequate food sources and environmental protection., which may explain why the life of a wild reticulated python is shorter than that of those in captivity. The longest life of a Reticulated python wild is from 23 years compared to 32 years in captivity.

After laying the eggs, the female python incubates them in a nest for a while 90 days until they are ready to hatch. Newborn reticulated pythons use a specialized element called egg tooth, located on the upper lip, to open the eggshell. The young measure approximately 60 cm in length and weigh some 140 g.. Immediately after hatching, the python sheds from the skin. Then it will begin to hide and wait for rodents and small birds to prey on..

The Reticulated python it lives mainly in tropical rainforests, wetlands and grassland forests, at a height of 1200-2500m. The temperature necessary for the correct gestation and survival of the reticulated python should be between ≈24º C and ≈34º C with large amounts of moisture present. The Reticulated python requires an area near an area of water to protect itself, as well as to succeed in predation. Pythons use water as protective camouflage to hide before ambushing their prey. Similar behavior is observed in wetlands, where these species are able to hide under the undergrowth to ambush their prey.

It is known that the Reticulated python occupies areas that usually have a present or nearby water source. This allows you better movement due to its large size. Through the process of lateral progression, the snake is able to contract the muscles and release the muscles simultaneously to create the most commonly recognized serpentine pattern..

Due to the large size of this snake, rectilinear movement, a type of movement in which the snake contracts its body and then unfolds in a linear motion, is most commonly observed because it allows its large size to move more quickly. Using the technique of constriction and deployment a python can climb trees. This is more common in smaller, younger individuals..

Using a similar body movement, the Reticulated python, like all snakes, you must shed your skin to repair wounds or during the developmental stages of life. The molting of skin of snakes is necessary to facilitate the growth of their bodies. These snakes have an indeterminate growth.

The male of the Reticulated python uses vibrations to signal its mating status to the female, that you will choose whether to mate or not. If she decides to mate, the male of this species rubs his body on the female and rubs her with his spurs. Spurs are vestigial hind limbs found in your abdomen. When the female is ready, will raise the tail and mating will occur. The female python can keep the male's sperm inside her until a later date., if weather conditions are not favorable. Females can also have several males mate with them in the same season..

Although it is uncommon, parthenogenesis has been documented in captive pythons. Parthenogenesis is the process of mating without a male. The female fertilizes an egg inside, creating an offspring with identical DNA. It is an adaptation to reproduce even when there are no males.

It is said that the breeding season of the Reticulated python focuses on the months of February and March. Shortly after winter pythons begin to prepare for breeding due to the increase in temperature and the promising summer heat. In most areas it depends on geography due to the need for warmer climates. So that, pythons reproduce according to the climate change of the specific area they inhabit.

The breeding area that is inhabited must be rich in prey so that the female can have offspring. So, the Reticulated python needs a normally undeveloped and uninhabited area to maintain high reproductive performance. The viability of eggs depends on the mother's ability to protect and incubate them, as well as high humidity levels. Adult pythons are usually ready to breed once the male has reached a 2,5 meters in length and some 3,0 meters for females. This is in the range of 3-5 years for both sexes.

If the food is abundant, the female of Reticulated python can have up to one clutch a year. In areas and seasons when food is not as abundant, the size and frequency of the clutches is one clutch each 2 or 3 years. The Reticulated python reproduces more frequently in areas of higher temperature for better gestation. In a year of breeding, a single female can produce 8 to 107 eggs, but the number is usually 25 to 50. The average mass at birth is 0,15 g (rank 0,12-0,17 g). The independence of the offspring is immediate.

It is known that the Reticulated python it feeds mainly on mammals and bird species found in its geographical range. Documented prey types include small bats, tree shrews , and Cervidae deer, even Malay bears (Helarctos malayanus).

The Reticulated python it is considered the snake most likely to consume a human being due to the numerous attacks on people in the wild and the attacks on the owners by this species. Through the organs of the fossa, specialized organs in certain species of snakes that detect radiant heat, the Reticulated python detects the location of the dam by the temperature relationship of the dam with the surrounding area. This allows the python to detect prey and predators without necessarily seeing them..

State of conservation ⓘ
Minor Concern ⓘ (UICN)ⓘ

The Reticulated python is not endangered, However, according to CITES Appendix II, the trade and sale of your skin are regulated to ensure that your survival is not compromised. This species is not on the IUCN Red List.

However, the Reticulated python is one of the most hunted snakes worldwide. Due to its large size, this species is hunted and sold internationally for its fur throughout the year. Apart from the skin, the Reticulated python it is so large in size that it is also hunted and sold for its meat..

The great demand for exotic animals has grown, what makes the Reticulated python be captured in the pet market to be sold all over the planet.

It is important to remember that a Reticulated python Adult is technically capable of causing injury or death to a human being, However, attacks in nature are rare, and even rarer attacks in captivity, as long as the snake is well accustomed to manipulation, safely maintained and well fed.

You won't be surprised that you have to increase the size of your vivarium as your cross-linked grows., as well as making sure that the glass fronts are the most resistant, with locks to ensure there are no escapes or unauthorized access to the snake in your absence.

The Reticulated python, like all snakes, they start out quite small when they are young, so any small or medium-sized land or tree nursery should be suitable, provided that the necessary heating equipment can be installed to reach those pleasant subtropical temperatures.

But as they grow and get bigger., you will have to change to the biggest vivariums you can, and consider the possibility of a custom-made vivarium to provide adequate accommodation, just make sure you invest in a sturdy glass!

Most caregivers agree that a Reticulated python you will enjoy more of an environment with a temperature gradient around the 29 degrees Celsius, that allows you to move to the hot side or to the cold side to thermoregulate depending on how you feel.

Although this temperature can be achieved with thermal carpets, most like to keep at least the hot end of their enclosures warm with a point lamp connected to a reliable thermostat to keep it within range.. But, do not forget to use a bulb protector, otherwise you Reticulated python could get too close.

The driest substrates, like aspen, are usually the best, and some people even use unprinted paper, although we can't say that this makes the enclosure look great. The substrate of the Reticulated python should be changed relatively frequently when you relieve yourself, that in adulthood can be of large proportions.

As with most snakes, we recommend that you feed your Reticulated python outside of its normal enclosure to help dissociate your incoming hand with feeding, helping your snake know the difference between handling and feeding and helping to avoid being "tagged", which is a little worse than usual with this species.

As a general rule, it is best to feed your Reticulated python with a frozen rat, or later with a rabbit of comparable size to yours, and repeat this every 7 to 10 days on average.

Most homeowners get to buy a second freezer for their home, as frozen rats and rabbits are cheaper when purchased in bulk and stored.

The price of a "Reticulated python" at the exotic animal market, depends on its sizes and the rarity of its color.
A brood of "Reticulated python" can be sold for a price between 300 – 400 EUR, while adult snakes approach the 1000 EUR.

like all pythons, is a non-poisonous constrictor. The Reticulated python have killed adults (and, in at least two cases, have eaten them).

King cobras and crocodiles feed on the Reticulated python. Eggs and young pythons are vulnerable to predators, like hawks, the eagles, herons and small mammals.

The Reticulated python usually reaches a length of more than 4 m. Its color pattern comprises a complex diamond-shaped pattern that extends along the back.. This pattern in the form of a network is the origin of its name, since "cross-linked" means network.

This type of movement works both on the ground and in trees.. But, pythons can't move very fast: only 1 mile per hour (1,6 kilometres per hour) on open ground. But since they don't have to chase their food, don't need to move quickly.

The green anaconda of South America, member of the boa family, It, kilo per kilo, the largest snake in the world. Your cousin, the Reticulated python, may reach a slightly longer length, but the enormous circumference of the anaconda makes it almost twice as heavy.

An oversized snake has shown its unique ability to climb trees and is as fascinating as it is slightly disconcerting.. Filmed in what is believed to be Thailand, the body of the snake, that has been identified as a Reticulated python, is rolled around the trunk of a tree.

The Reticulated python longer than is known was found in 1912 and measured the staggering number of 10 m, that is to say, more than half the length of a bowling alley and makes this snake longer than the height of a giraffe.

The Reticulated python bite first. Next, "literally in a few seconds", envelops a person's body with its powerful spirals, cutting off blood circulation to the brain, blocking the airways and preventing the chest from expanding. For one or all of these reasons a person would die quickly..

They are also excellent swimmers, and can remain submerged up to 30 minutes before surfaced to take in air.

A Reticulated python adult can survive up to 6 months without eating, but such a long period can be disastrous for the health of the reptile.

The Reticulated python It is a large predatory animal.. As such, they prefer large prey, among which humans are known to be, so they should be considered aggressive.

The Reticulated python young, bred in captivity, it is the easiest to tame. Once the snake is taken out of its cage, hold it in your hands and allow it to crawl through your fingers. Spending time with a young retic acclimatizes her to his touch, smell and company

1. Reticulated python, Retic (English).
2. Python réticulé (French).
3. Netzpython (German).
4. Píton-reticulada (Portuguese).
5. "Pitón reticulada" (español).