<Li> Elaphe guttata--Stejneger & Barbour, 1917 </Li> <Li> Pantherophis guttatus--Utiger et al., 2002 </Li> <P> The corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) 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 . Their docile nature, reluctance to bite, moderate adult size, attractive pattern, and comparatively simple care make them popular pet snakes . Though superficially resembling the venomous copperhead and often killed as a result of this mistaken identity, corn snakes are harmless and beneficial to humans . Corn snakes lack functional venom and help control populations of wild rodent pests that damage crops and spread disease . </P> <P> 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 . </P>

Where are corn snakes found in the wild