page_title: Corn snake
section_title: Variations
hierarchical_section_title: Corn snake / Variations
caption_attribution_description: English: A docile young corn snake captured from the wild as an introduced species on the island of Nevis, West Indies, in 2009.
context_page_description: The corn snake is a North American species of rat snake that subdues its small prey by constriction. It is found throughout the southeastern and central United States. Though superficially resembling the venomous copperhead and often killed as a result of this mistaken identity corn snakes lack functional venom and are harmless and beneficial to humans by helping to control populations of wild rodent pests that damage crops and spread disease. Their docile nature, reluctance to bite, moderate adult size, attractive pattern, and comparatively simple care make them commonly kept pet snakes.
  The corn snake is named for the species' regular presence near grain stores, where it preys on mice and rats that eat harvested corn. The Oxford English Dictionary cites this usage as far back as 1675. Some sources maintain that the corn snake is so-named because the distinctive, nearly-checkered pattern of the snake's belly scales resembles the kernels of variegated corn. Regardless of the name's origin, the corn reference can be a useful mnemonic for identifying corn snakes.
context_section_description: After many generations of selective breeding, domesticated corn snakes are found in a wide variety of different colors and patterns.  These result from recombining the dominant and recessive genes that code for proteins involved in chromatophore development, maintenance, or function. New variations, or morphs, become available every year as breeders gain a better understanding of the genetics involved.
caption: A docile young corn snake (an introduced species) captured from the wild on the island of Nevis, West Indies, in 2009.
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