The corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) originates from the southern United States and Mexico. It is widely recognised as an invasive species with established populations in the Cayman Islands, the Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas.
The corn snake is a frequently encountered species in the illegal pet trade. Most animals found in Australia have escaped or been released after being acquired through the illegal pet trade.
The corn snake is a generalist predator that feeds on a wide variety of prey including frogs, lizards, small mammals, ground dwelling and nesting birds. As a non-venomous species, it kills prey by constriction. Corn snakes are also known to out-compete native species for resources and can act as a host for exotic pests and diseases. For example, the corn snake is known as a carrier of the protozoan parasite, Cryptosporidium which can infect humans, domestic and native animals causing diarrhoeal disease.
Corn snakes can survive in a diverse range of habitats including open grassland, forest, agriculture land and semi-urban areas. They are also known to hide under objects and climb trees, making detection in an open environment difficult. These characteristics mean that once established in the wild, eradication is unlikely.
The corn snake is slender, between 60 and 180 cm in length. Juveniles are similar to adults in appearance, hatchlings range in size from 22 to 36 cm. Corn snakes are commonly orange, but can also be reddish-brown, brown, or grey, with margined brown or reddish blotches. Other distinctive features include a spear-shaped pattern on their head and neck and alternating rows of black and white marks on their belly. Captive breeding has also produced corn snakes with varied colours and patterns.
Though corn snakes have been detected in Australia they have not yet established. If you see a corn snake, contact the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline: 1800 084 881.
