Corn Snake vs Garter Snake
How does the Corn Snake compare to the Garter Snake? They are both members of the Colubridae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.


Side-by-side comparison
- Scientific name
- Pantherophis guttatus
- Thamnophis sirtalis
- Classification
- Reptile
- Reptile
- Family
- Colubridae
- Colubridae
- Habitat
- Deciduous forests, overgrown fields, and farmlands
- Wetlands, grasslands, forests, and near freshwater sources
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Carnivore
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 6-8 years in the wild, up to 20+ years in captivity
- 4-6 years in the wild, up to 10 years in captivity
- Weight
- 500-900 grams
- 80-150 grams
Corn Snake vs Garter Snake: who would win?

Corn Snake
500-900 grams

Garter Snake
80-150 grams
Corn Snake wins high confidence
Corn Snake is substantially heavier (500-900 grams vs 80-150 grams). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
Similarities
- Both are reptiles.
- Both belong to the Colubridae family.
- Both have a carnivore diet.
- Both are listed as Least Concern.
Differences
- Habitat: Deciduous forests, overgrown fields, and farmlands vs Wetlands, grasslands, forests, and near freshwater sources.
- Weight: 500-900 grams vs 80-150 grams.
Corn Snake vs Garter Snake: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Corn Snake or a Garter Snake?
Corn Snake wins. Corn Snake is substantially heavier (500-900 grams vs 80-150 grams). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
What is the difference between a Corn Snake and a Garter Snake?
Corn Snake and Garter Snake differ in several ways — habitat: deciduous forests, overgrown fields, and farmlands vs wetlands, grasslands, forests, and near freshwater sources. weight: 500-900 grams vs 80-150 grams.
Do Corn Snake and Garter Snake live in the same habitat?
No — Corn Snake lives in deciduous forests, overgrown fields, and farmlands, while Garter Snake is found in wetlands, grasslands, forests, and near freshwater sources.
What do Corn Snake and Garter Snake eat?
Both Corn Snake and Garter Snake have a carnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Corn Snake or the Garter Snake?
Corn Snake is listed as Least Concern, while Garter Snake is listed as Least Concern.
How big are Corn Snake and Garter Snake?
Corn Snake weighs around 500-900 grams, while Garter Snake weighs around 80-150 grams.

Full profile
Corn Snake

Full profile
Garter Snake







