The infamous corn snake got its name from the markings of its belly resembling maize. These colorful snakes come in different colors and patterns and can make for a great beginner reptile pet. The corn snake is a North American species of rat snake that kills its prey by squeezing, much like a boa constrictor. Corn snakes aren’t venomous but are sometimes confused for the venomous copperhead snake. This species gets its name because it often preys on mice and rats that eat harvested corn.