Corn Snake (Scaleless Tessera Okeetee) Sub-Adult

Corn Snake (Scaleless Tessera Okeetee)

Scientific Name: Pantherophis guttatus
Common Name: Corn Snake

Species Overview

Size: Adults typically reach 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m) in length, with a lean, agile body and a smooth, scale-free surface that enhances coloration and pattern definition.

Appearance: The Scaleless Tessera Okeetee Corn Snake is a stunning combination of pattern precision and color intensity. This morph merges the clean, linear striping of the Tessera gene with the bold, high-contrast color palette of the Okeetee lineage, all enhanced by the reflective, scale-free finish of the Scaleless trait. This Corn Snake displays vibrant red to burnt orange tones with crisp, dark borders and a clearly defined dorsal stripe running the length of the body. The Okeetee influence strengthens saturation and border contrast, while the Tessera pattern streamlines the snake’s appearance into a sleek, symmetrical display. The absence of scales amplifies these effects, giving the snake a glass-like texture and an almost painted look.

Distribution: A selectively bred morph of the Corn Snake (P. guttatus), created by combining the Scaleless and Tesseragenes with the selectively bred Okeetee line.

Habitat: Wild Corn Snakes are native to the southeastern United States, inhabiting forests, grasslands, and farmlands. In captivity, this morph thrives in naturalistic enclosures featuring soft substrate, rounded climbing structures, and secure hiding areas.

Behaviour: Corn Snakes are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk. They are hardy, adaptable, and strong feeders, doing well both in display terrariums and breeding collections.

Captive Care

Enclosure: A naturalistic 40-gallon terrarium (36” × 18” × 18”) or larger is recommended for adults. Use soft, non-abrasive substrate such as soil, coconut fiber, or a bioactive mix. Provide multiple hides, cork flats, and smooth climbing branches. Avoid sharp décor that may irritate the snake’s skin.

Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a daytime gradient of 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a basking area around 86–88°F (30–31°C). Allow nighttime drops to 70°F (21°C). Keep humidity between 50–65%, and provide a humid hide to support shedding and hydration.

Diet: Offer frozen-thawed rodents every 7–10 days for juveniles and every 10–14 days for adults. Prey size should be approximately 1.25× the width of the snake’s mid-body.

Behaviour in Captivity: Corn Snakes thrive in well-maintained, naturalistic environments. Scaleless individuals benefit from soft furnishings and consistent humidity to ensure smooth sheds and healthy skin.

Special Considerations: The Scaleless Tessera Okeetee Corn Snake is a highly sought-after combination for breeders, capable of producing visually stunning offspring when paired with Amelanistic, Hypo, or Reverse Okeetee lines. Its bold contrast and refined pattern make it one of the most visually balanced Scaleless morphs available.

Genetics Note

Scaleless (Recessive)

Removes external scales, producing a smooth, reflective surface that enhances color saturation and pattern clarity.

Tessera (Dominant)

Creates a distinct, unbroken dorsal stripe and symmetrical lateral striping. A single copy of the gene is enough to express the pattern.

Okeetee Line (Selective Line Trait)

A selectively bred lineage emphasizing strong red and orange coloration with thick, dark saddle borders. This is a polygenic trait refined through generations of selective breeding.

Genetic Combination Summary

The Scaleless Tessera Okeetee Corn Snake expresses one recessive, one dominant, and one polygenic trait:

• Scaleless = Removes scales, creating a smooth, reflective finish that heightens contrast

• Tessera = Produces a clean dorsal stripe and sharp lateral striping

• Okeetee Line = Enhances red and orange coloration with bold, dark borders

Together, these traits produce a sleek, fiery Corn Snake with exceptional color contrast and an intricate, flowing pattern. The Scaleless Tessera Okeetee Corn Snake exemplifies the artistry of modern selective breeding—combining pattern precision, bold coloration, and elegant texture in one refined morph.