The single most recognizable characteristic of this and all rat snakes is the body shape, which displays a flattened underside. Corn snakes are non-poisonous constrictors. They are primarily nocturnal, but are often seen in the early evening. It climbs trees, and enters barns and abandoned structures where it hunts for food. It may have been named for the kernel pattern on its underside, or simply because it is often found in corn cribs where mice and rats exist in abundance.
Corn snakes benefit humans by keeping the rodent population in control.
Because of similarity in coloring the corn snake is often mistaken for a venemous copperhead and is needlessly destroyed.