All comparisons

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.

Corn Snake
Garter Snake

Side-by-side comparison

Corn Snake
Garter Snake
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

Corn Snake

500-900 grams

VS
Garter Snake

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.

Corn Snake

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Corn Snake

Garter Snake

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Garter Snake