Corn Snake vs Red-sided Garter Snake
How does the Corn Snake compare to the Red-sided 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 parietalis
- Classification
- Reptile
- Reptile
- Family
- Colubridae
- Colubridae
- Habitat
- Deciduous forests, overgrown fields, and farmlands
- Grasslands, prairies, forest edges, and wetlands
- 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
- Weight
- 500-900 grams
- 50-150 grams
Corn Snake vs Red-sided Garter Snake: who would win?

Corn Snake
500-900 grams

Red-sided Garter Snake
50-150 grams
Corn Snake wins high confidence
Corn Snake is substantially heavier (500-900 grams vs 50-150 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 Grasslands, prairies, forest edges, and wetlands.
- Weight: 500-900 grams vs 50-150 grams.
Corn Snake vs Red-sided Garter Snake: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Corn Snake or a Red-sided Garter Snake?
Corn Snake wins. Corn Snake is substantially heavier (500-900 grams vs 50-150 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 Red-sided Garter Snake?
Corn Snake and Red-sided Garter Snake differ in several ways — habitat: deciduous forests, overgrown fields, and farmlands vs grasslands, prairies, forest edges, and wetlands. weight: 500-900 grams vs 50-150 grams.
Do Corn Snake and Red-sided Garter Snake live in the same habitat?
No — Corn Snake lives in deciduous forests, overgrown fields, and farmlands, while Red-sided Garter Snake is found in grasslands, prairies, forest edges, and wetlands.
What do Corn Snake and Red-sided Garter Snake eat?
Both Corn Snake and Red-sided Garter Snake have a carnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Corn Snake or the Red-sided Garter Snake?
Corn Snake is listed as Least Concern, while Red-sided Garter Snake is listed as Least Concern.
How big are Corn Snake and Red-sided Garter Snake?
Corn Snake weighs around 500-900 grams, while Red-sided Garter Snake weighs around 50-150 grams.

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Corn Snake

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Red-sided Garter Snake







