Corn Snakes or Copperheads? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Corn Snake

While a corn snake may bite, the wound that is caused is rarely more than just a puncture wound that can be cleaned and treated at home. Corn snakes kill their prey - typically rodents, frogs, or moles - by constriction, and then swallow it whole. They are known to eat whatever is smaller than they are, which can also include other corn snakes. Sometimes they may swallow their prey while it is still alive!

Answer: Corn Snake

Corn snakes have more slender bodies than copperheads and can grow to be up to six feet (1.8 meters) long. Scientists believe their slender bodies help corn snakes to be more agile while hunting their prey. As with other snakes, its elongated organs are arranged one behind the other, naturally making its body longer and more slender.

The corn snake also has a distinctive tail with a pattern that matches the rest of its body. Its scales are smooth and glossy in comparison to the copperhead's.

Answer: Corn Snake

There are many different types of corn snakes; there are some, however, like the red rat snake that are almost the same reddish-copper color as copperheads. If it is not possible to tell the difference by looking at the snake's pattern markings, look at its stomach.

A corn snake has a checkerboard pattern on its belly that resembles some varieties of corn. While some sources say that the snake was named for making its home near grain storage, others say that it was named for the pattern on its belly looking like kernels of corn.

Answer: Corn Snake

Like its body, a corn snake's head is also narrow shaped, which is a characteristic of a non-venomous snake. Corn snakes do not have glands in their head which produce venom, nor do they have the hollow fangs that some species use to inject it. Although their heads are not naturally triangular shaped, it has been noted that, when scared, corn snakes may flatten their heads to look more threatening.

Answer: Corn Snake

Corn snakes are diurnal animals; that means they are active during the day. Their round pupils are better adapted to let in more bright light, which is especially helpful when hunting in the daylight hours. Please remember that the shape of a snake's eyes does not indicate whether they are venomous or not - that is an old wives' tale.

Other snakes that have round pupils are cobras, mambas, coral, and sea snakes.

Answer: Copperhead

Copperheads are venomous snakes - they are ambush predators that bite their prey and inject it with venom before swallowing it whole. Their diet is very similar to the corn snake's - that is why they typically like to hang out in the same places. And why they ultimately can be mistaken for each other.

Although a copperhead's bite is rarely fatal to humans, it is highly recommended that one should seek medical treatment after being bitten. Its venom is hemotoxic, which means that it can cause a lot of pain and swelling around the bite area. Quick treatment with antivenom makes it easier to manage the symptoms and assures a faster recovery.

Answer: Copperhead

A copperhead's body is described as being stockier or thicker than a corn snake's. This, along with their body pattern, enables them to look like a pile of leaves so that they are better camouflaged as they hunt and helps protect them from predators. When they are young, copperheads have yellow tips on the tails, which are wiggled around to make them look like an insect, a lure for potential prey. As they age, the tail becomes a darker color.

Adult copperheads grow to be up to about four feet (1.2 meters) long, and are typically heavier than corn snakes that are the same length. They have distinctive hourglass-shaped bands on the top of their bodies that are sometimes described as looking like Hershey's kisses on their sides. Their scales are keeled, which means they have a ridge down the center.

Answer: Copperhead

Because copperheads are ambush predators, they frequently hang out in areas with low light. In addition, they typically hunt at night, especially during the time of year when it is hottest. Having vertical pupils allows them to control how much light enters their pupils, produces a sharper image, and allows them to have better distance judgement, which makes for a better strike at their prey. On the other hand, the vertical pupil also helps them regulate how much light enters their eyes in bright light situations.

Again, be sure to NOT use the shape of the pupil to determine if a snake is venomous. In low light, a copperhead's pupils may expand and become rounder in order to let in more light.

Answer: Copperhead

Copperheads are pit vipers, which means they need space in their heads for their venom glands, which are located behind their eyes, and their hollow fangs. The triangular-shaped head is a characteristic of all vipers, but it doesn't necessarily mean that a snake is venomous. But remember - it is better to be safe than sorry!

Answer: Copperhead

The copperhead's cream belly is really not a key feature that should be used for identification as many snakes, such as water snakes, have the same colored belly. Besides, one would think that very few people want to take the chance to turn a potential copperhead over to check the color of its belly! It's a safe bet to just check out the pattern on its back!