For reptile enthusiasts looking to get their first pet snake the corn snake and milk snake are two of the most popular choices. But which one makes a better pet especially for beginners? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll examine the key similarities and differences between corn snakes and milk snakes to help you decide which is right for you.
Overview
Corn snakes and milk snakes have a lot in common. They are both medium-sized, nonvenomous colubrid snakes that originate from North America. Their average adult lengths range from 3-5 feet, and they can live over 20 years with proper care and habitat.
Both snakes have docile temperaments and make great pets, even for first-time snake owners. They are active during the day, easy to tame and handle, and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. When threatened, they may vibrate their tails rapidly as a warning, but are not aggressive.
However, there are some key differences between the two that are important to consider when choosing your first pet snake Let’s take a closer look at how corn snakes and milk snakes compare in terms of appearance, size, lifespan, habitat, difficulty of care, handling, and cost
Appearance
Corn snakes typically have a brown, orange or reddish base color with large blotches going down their backs. The blotches can be shades of red, brown and black. Their bellies are white and black checked They have smooth scales
Milk snakes have distinct red, black, and white bands encircling their bodies. Some of the subspecies, like the Pueblan milk snake, also have blue or yellow coloring between the bands. Their scales have a slightly rougher texture than corn snakes.
Both snakes may exhibit albino color morphs in captivity with white, yellow or orange base colors. But milk snakes tend to have more vibrant, contrasting banding patterns compared to the muted blothces of corn snakes.
Size
- Adult corn snakes reach lengths of 4-6 feet.
- Adult milk snakes range from 2-5 feet long.
So although their average sizes overlap, corn snakes tend to grow a bit longer than milk snakes. Milk snakes also tend to be slightly stockier in build compared to the leaner corn snakes.
Lifespan
Both corn snakes and milk snakes can live 20-25 years in captivity with proper husbandry. Some individuals may even reach 30+ years. So they have similarly long lifespans.
Habitat
Corn snakes and milk snakes both originate from temperate regions of North America.
In the wild, corn snakes inhabit fields, forests, prairies, and farmlands. They seek out areas with plenty of hiding spots like burrows, trees, and logs.
Milk snakes occupy a diverse range of habitats including forests, meadows, rocky hillsides, deserts, and suburban areas. They are adept climbers and will climb trees, rocks and logs.
For both species, ideal captive habitats mimic their natural environments with:
- Enclosure temperatures of 75-85°F
- A 12-14 hour day/night light cycle
- Hiding places like hides, plants and branches
- Low humidity around 40-60%
- Substrates like aspen shavings, cypress mulch or reptile carpet
Difficulty of Care
Both snakes are relatively easy to care for, even for beginners. Some key points:
- Housing: A 20-30 gallon tank is sufficient for an adult of either species. They have simple heating and lighting needs.
- Feeding: Both snakes eagerly accept frozen/thawed mice or rats. Milk snakes can be pickier feeders.
- Handling: With regular gentle handling, both snakes become quite tame. Milk snakes are slightly more prone to musking and biting when stressed.
- Health: These snakes tend to have hardy constitutions and low disease risk when cared for properly.
Overall, corn snakes are one of the easiest snakes to care for, while milk snakes are only slightly more challenging. Both make great starter pets.
Handling
When handled regularly, corn snakes become extremely docile and tolerant of handling. They rarely bite or musk once tamed.
Milk snakes tend to be slightly more high-strung. Though usually docile, they may musk or deliver harmless bites if stressed. With time and gentle handling, most can be tamed.
For first-time owners, corn snakes are less likely to be startled or frightened by handling compared to milk snakes. Their extremely calm demeanor makes them one of the best snakes to handle.
Cost
In general, corn snakes are cheaper to purchase than milk snakes.
- Normal corn snakes cost $20-$50. Rarer color morphs can cost up to $150.
- Normal milk snakes cost $50-$150. Rarer locales and color morphs can cost over $200.
The costs for housing and feeding are very similar for both species. Overall, corn snakes make a more budget-friendly pet snake option.
Which is Better for Beginners?
For first-time snake owners, corn snakes have a slight edge over milk snakes when it comes to ease of care and handling. Reasons why corn snakes may be better for beginners:
- Easier and more eager feeders, rarely refusing meals
- Calmer temperaments and less prone to biting
- Greater tolerance of handling without getting stressed
- Lower purchase price for normal color morphs
- Slightly easier captive care requirements
However, milk snakes still make excellent starter snakes. With their active nature, petite sizes, and vibrant patterns, milk snakes can be a very rewarding first pet snake with proper handling and care.
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either snake for your first pet. By understanding their similarities and differences, you can pick the one that best fits your preferences and experience level. Both corn snakes and milk snakes make fantastic lifelong pets when cared for properly.
Eastern Milksnake Lampropeltis triangulum
|
Common Name: |
Eastern Milksnake |
|
Scientific Name: |
Lampropeltis triangulum |
|
Etymology: |
|
|
Genus: |
Lampropeltis is derived from the Greek words lampros which means “radiant” and pelta meaning “small shields”. |
|
Species: |
triangulum is derived from the Latin word triangulus which means “having three angles”. |
|
Vernacular Names: |
Adder, chin snake, checkered adder, chicken snake, cow-sucker, highland adder, house moccasin, leopard-spotted snake, milk sucker, sand-king, sachem snake, thunder-and-lightning snake |
|
Average Length: |
24 – 36 in. (61 – 90 cm) |
|
Virginia Record Length: |
42.2 in. (107.3 cm) |
|
Record length: |
52 in. (132.1 cm) |
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The Eastern Milksnake has a tan or gray ground color and three to five rows of reddish-brown, black-edged dorsal blotches. The center row of blotches is the largest and alternates with smaller lateral blotches. There is a gray or tan Y- or V-shaped mark usually present at the rear of the head. The belly is whitish with squarish black blotches giving a checkerboard effect. Albino individuals may be seen. Juveniles are similar to adults but have much redder blotches. Ths species is 6 inches at birth and grows to about 4 feet. Most adults are from 24-36 inches long *1006*. In Virginia, maximum known SVL is 940 mm (37.0 inches) and maximum total length is 1073 mm (42.2 in). Outside Virginia, the record length is 52 inches. *11523*.
COLORATION and PATTERN: Two primary color-pattern combinations occur, blotched phase and banded phase, along with intermediates. 1) Blotched phase: dorsum brown to gray, variously peppered in black, with a series of brown to reddish blotches; each blotch slightly wider than long and nearly surrounded by black; body blotches number 26-46 (avg. = 33.5, n=80); blotch on dorsum of head longer than those on body and usually pointed anteriorly, often with a Y-shaped open center surrounded by black pigment; this pattern varies and the blotch may be open on one side or broken into several smaller blotches; irregular eye-jaw stripe of brown or red and black extends past margin of mouth; a dorsal crossbar of similar color lies between and slightly anterior to the eyes; small, irregular black blotches alternate with the dorsal blotches on the sides; venter with black and white checkerboard pattern, the white is usually peppered with black; chin white, several or all of the white supralabials outlined in black; red coloration fades to brown in alcohol but otherwise specimens in preservative are as described. This is a moderate-sized snake with a blunt head only slightly wider than the neck. Dorsal scale rows usually 19-21 and temporal scale formula usually 2+3/2+3. (2) Banded phase: 14-20 (avg. = 16.1+/-1.9, n=12) red rings separated from yellow rings by black rings; dorsum of head red, separated from yellow crossband on neck by a black crossband that lies across the posterior margin of the parietal scales; ventral pattern consists of the continuation of the alternating red, black, and yellow rings, particularly anteriorly; rings do not completely encircle body but break up before meeting at the midline; posteriorly along the midline, a wide black stripe, usually broken with white along the midline, separates the body bands; chin, infralabials, and supralabials white; red color fades to brownish in preservative and yellow fades to cream. Dorsal scale rows usually 19 or 21 and temporal scale formula usually 1+2/1+2 or 2+2/2+2. (3) Intermediates: red, yellow, and black rings not distinct but forming blotches that partly or nearly encircle the dorsum; dorsum of head brownish or reddish with irregular black crossband or broken reddish brown blotch; remnants of bands on venter with irregular white spaces at the midline or with irregular black and white checkerboard pattern. Dorsal scale rows are usually 19 or 21 and temporal scale formula 1+2/1+2, 2+2/2+2, 2+3/2+3, or combinations of these.*10760*
SEXUAL DIMORPHISM: Because of the wide range of variation in morphometrics, pattern, and scutellation in this species, sexual dimorphism is compared between L.t. triangulum in montane samples (Blue Ridge and Ridge and Valley) and interglades in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain (including Loudoun and Clarke County specimens). (1) Lampropeltis t. triangulum: Average adult male SVL (737.6+/-105.3 mm, 570-940, n=32) is larger than average SVL for adult females (640.1+/-79.3 mm, 523-765, n=12), and reach a larger total length (1073 mm) than females (878 mm). Sexual dimorphism index is -1.15. The number of subcaudal scales is higher in males (41-53, avg = 46.3+/-2.9, n=39) than females 29-49, avg. = 41.5+/-5.5, n=20), as is the number of ventrals + subcaudals (males 228-251, avg. = 240.2+/-6.2, n=38; females 214-256, avg. = 234.1+/-9.5, n=20). The number of ventral scales (males 186-202, avg. = 193.5+/-4.8, n=50; females 185-210, avg. = 193.2+/-6.4, n=23) and body blotches (males 27-46, avg. = 33.8+/-4.3, n=54; (2) Lampropeltis t. triangulum x elapsoides intergrades: Adult males average larger (539.0+/-205.6 mm, 340-902, n=9) than adult females (387.5+/-96.2 mm, 318-523, n=4), and reach a larger total length (males 1041 mm, females 598 mm). Sexual dimorphism index is -1.39. The average number of subcaudal scales in males (40-50, avg. = 44.9+/-3.3, n=13) is higher than in females (37-42, avg. = 39.5+/-1.7, n=13), as is the number of ventrals + subcaudals (males 214-248, avg. = 230.5+/-12.6, n=13; females 212-244, avg. = 224.9+/-9.5, n=12). The number of ventral scales (males 173-201, avg. = 185.8+/-9.7, n=13; females 174-203, avg. = 184.7+/-8.7, n=11) and body bands (males 14-34, avg. = 23.9+/-7.5, n=15; females 14-36, avg. = 22.2+/-6.8, n=13) are similar between sexes.*10760* Juveniles: Juveniles of each of the subspecies look like the adults characteristic of the area but the colors are brighter. Juveniles from the mountains have reddish blotches. At hatching, juveniles of L.t. triangulum are 170-200 mm SVL (avg. = 181.7+/-10.1, n=11), 198-229 mm total length (avg. 209.8+/-11.1), and weigh 3.8-4.3 g (avg = 4.1+/-0.3). Hatchings of L.t. triangulum x elapsoides intergrades from North Carolina are 140-188 mm (avg. = 165.6) total length.*10760*
CONFUSING SPECIES: This species may be confused with P. guttata in the western part of Virginia, however, the corn snake has a longer head, a longer eye-jaw stripe, no peppering in the white on the venter, and is shaped like a bread loaf in cross section. In southeastern Va., this snake may be confused with Cemophora coccinea which has red blotches, an elongated snout, and an unpatterned white venter.
GEOGRAPHIC VARIATION: This species exhibits the most extreme geographic variation in body size, pattern, and color of any Virginia snake. The blotched pattern (described above) is confined to the higher elevations in and west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The pattern of nearly complete body bands is found in southeastern Virginia, and the intermediate patterns in the Piedmont and parts of the Blue Ridge Mountains north of the James River. Snakes in the Coastal Plain and southeastern Piedmont more closely resemble the form with encircling body bands, whereas snakes in the northern half of the Piedmont usually have variations of the blotched form.
REPRODUCTION: This species is oviparous. The females usually deposit between 4-12 eggs in rotting wood and beneath rocks and logs. Some eggs may be buried several inches deep in the soil. The creamy-white slender eggs are usually laid in the early summer. Most of the eggs adhere to one another. The eggs hatch after 2-2 1/2 months with the newborn individuals ranging from 4-8 inches in length *1006*. Egg number and size depends on the size of the female, this is partly a consequence of geographic origin in Virginia. Generally, mating takes place in spring, eggs are laid in June and July, and hatching occurs in August and September. Eggs are laid in rotting logs and stumps, under rocks, and in sawdust piles. In Va., the smallest adult female L.t. triangulum was 523 mm SVL and the smallest L.t. triangulum x elapsoides female was 318 mm SVL. A female L. triangulum from Highland Co. laid 12 eggs on 23 June which hatched on 15-16 August. Eggs averaged 31.2+/-1.4 x 16.3+/-1.0 mm (length 28.9-33.4, width 13.6-17.5) and weighed 3.3-5.3 g (avg = 4.8). Williams reported clutch sizes of 5-20 for L.t. triangulum. No data on reproduction in Virginia L.t. triangulum x elapsoides intergrades are available. Palmer and Braswell reported clutch sizes of 3-7 eggs that averaged 28.8x 11.1 mm. Miller and Grall found that hatching intergrades from Maryland were 191-197 mm total length.*10760*
BEHAVIOR: This is a secretive snake that is often found beneath rocks, logs, stumps and boards. This species is a burrower and spends much of its time beneath the ground.
PREY ITEMS: This species consumes mammals —shrews (Blarina brevicauda, B. hylophaga, Cryptotis parva), mice (Mus musculus, Peromyscus leucopus, P. maniculatus, Zapus hudsonius), and voles (Clethrionomys gapperi, Microtus ochrogaster, M. pennsylvanicus, M. pinetorum); birds — boobies (Sula leucogaster, S. nebouxii), sooty tern (Sterna fuscata), chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina), phoebe (Sayornis phoebe), and ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus), and their eggs—sparrow (Emberizidae), brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater), and American robin (Turdus migratorius); reptiles — lizards (Anolis carolinensis, Cnemidophorus angusticeps, C. costatus, C. sexlineatus, Ctenosaura pectinata, Eumeces fasciatus, E. inexpectatus, Sceloporus graciosus, S. occidentalis, S. undulatus, Scincella lateralis), snakes (Agkistrodon contortrix, Carphophis amoenus, C. vermis, Crotalus sp., Diadophis punctatus, Lampropeltis triangulum, Leptotyphlops sp., Liochlorophis vernalis, Nerodia sipedon, Regina septemvittata, Storeria dekayi, S. occipitomaculata, Tantilla coronata, Thamnophis radix, T. sirtalis, Virginia striatula, V. valeriae), and reptile eggs (Diadophis punctatus, Lampropeltis triangulum); amphibians — frogs and toads (Anaxyrus sp.) and salamanders; fish — minnows (Cyprinidae) and killifish (Fundulidae); earthworms (Annelida); slugs (Mollusca); insects — beetles (Coleoptera), caterpillars (Leptidoptera), and roaches (Orthoptera) (Anderson 1965; Ashton and Smith 1999; Brown 1979b; Carr 1940; Collins 1993; C. Ernst, pers. obs.; Fitch 1999; Fitch and Fleet 1970; Guidry 1953; Hammerson 1986; Kamb 1978; Klemens 1993; Medsger 1922; Mitchell and Groves 1993; Palmer and Braswell 1995; Rodriguez and Drummond 2000; Skehan 1960; Surface 1906; Tennant 1985; Vermersch and Kuntz 1986; Uhler et al. 1939; Williams 1988). That L. triangulum eats venomous pit vipers is not surprising, as its blood serum has venom-neutralizing properties (Weinstein et al. 1992). Some prey are consumed as carrion; C. Ernst observed a L. t. triangulum eating a road-killed Blarina brevicauda in Pennsylvania.
Small mammals are the preferred prey. They made up 79% of the food volume and 68% of all items (59% were young). Birds made up 12.7% of food volume (19% frequency) and reptiles 8.1% of food volume (12.4% frequency) in milksnakes examined by Brown (1979b). Uhler et al. (1939) found mice made up 42% by volume, snakes 26%, song birds and their eggs 16%, insects 11%, and shrews 5% of the stomach contents of Virginia L. triangulum containing food.
POPULATION PARAMETERS: The maximum known age is 21 years 4 months and 18 days *1006,11523*. Lampropeltis triangulum are more common in the mountains than in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain.*10760*
AQUATIC/TERESTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS: Potential predators include opossums, skunks, and raccoons *1006*. Known natural predators of L. triangulum outside of Virginia are bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeiana) mad brown thrashers (Toxostoma rufum). Humans kill many individuals on the highways and through destruction of habitat.*10760*
Photos:
*Click on a thumbnail for a larger version.
Corn Snake Or Milk Snake? Which Pet Snake Should You Pick?
FAQ
Are corn snakes or ball pythons friendlier?
-
Temperament:Known for their calm and docile nature, they are typically easy to handle and don’t tend to bite or constrict unless threatened.
-
Activity:Corn snakes are more active and curious than ball pythons, making them more engaging to watch.
-
Handling:They are generally easy to handle once accustomed to their owner, but they may be a bit more defensive when young.
-
Size:Corn snakes are smaller than ball pythons, typically reaching 3-4 feet (91-122 cm) in length.
-
Care:They are relatively easy to care for, with straightforward temperature and humidity requirements.
How poisonous is a milk snake?
Beyond color variations, some misidentifications can be blamed on milksnake behavior, as it has been known to shake its tail to imitate a rattlesnake if it feels threatened. However, the milk snake is not venomous or poisonous, no matter how badly it wants to be.
What is the difference between a rat snake and a milk snake?
Two important traits can distinguish milk snakes from similar-looking water snakes; namely, the shape of their scales (water snakes’ are keeled, milk snakes’ are smooth) and the scale on their belly known as the anal plate (water snakes’ are divided, milk snakes’ are single). Rat snakes and racers, which have blotched …