Great Plains rat snake (Pantherophis emoryi)
Snakes · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Great Plains rat snake (Pantherophis emoryi) (origin: The central and south-western USA, northern Mexico – arid regions). Adult size around 60–150 cm, most animals stay below 120 cm. Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Great Plains rat snake: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 150×75×150 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, formerly Elaphe).
Great Plains rat snake: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot 32 °C, at night 18–21 °C.
Great Plains rat snake: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not essential.
Great Plains rat snake: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years.
Great Plains rat snake: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–21 °C
- Basking spot
- 32 °C
- Humidity
- 40–55 %
- UVB
- Not essential
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 150×75×150 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, formerly Elaphe)
- Substrate
- Beech granulate or coco humus, hides, climbing branches
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice
- Feeding interval
- Juveniles every 5–7 days, adults every 14–21 days.
Key facts
- Adult size
- 60–150 cm, most animals stay below 120 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- The central and south-western USA, northern Mexico – arid regions
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- Winter dormancy 8–12 weeks (December to February) at 10–15 °C
- Cohabitation
- Keeping them singly is preferable. Snakes are solitary and do not seek company. The concrete reason is the feeding accident: if two animals grab the same food item, one can swallow the other along with it. On top of that, once they are kept together you can no longer tell which animal has eaten and which is losing weight. For breeding, put them together under supervision.
Notes
The drier sister species of the corn snake, unexcitable and easy to care for. Slightly lower humidity than P. guttatus, otherwise the same requirements.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Great Plains rat snake (Pantherophis emoryi) currently offered
- Kornnattern abzugeben – Hamburg Bramfeld · 25 €
Related species
- Baird's rat snake (Pantherophis bairdi) – Beginner
- Western fox snake (Pantherophis vulpinus) – Beginner
- Corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) – Beginner
- Eastern rat snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) – Beginner
- Black rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus) – Intermediate
- Slowinski's corn snake (Pantherophis slowinskii) – Beginner
- Texas rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus lindheimeri) – Intermediate
- Russian rat snake (Elaphe schrenckii) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Great Plains rat snake (Pantherophis emoryi) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 150×75×150 cm (minimum size per the 1997 expert report, formerly Elaphe)), substrate (Beech granulate or coco humus, hides, climbing branches), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Wikipedia EN, animaldiversity.org, einrichtungsbeispiele.de, eur-lex.europa.eu, schlangeninfos.de
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).