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Description
Corn Snake (Anery)
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 slender, athletic body and smooth, glossy scales.
Appearance: The Anery Corn Snake, short for Anerythristic, is a grayscale variation of the classic Corn Snake. This morph lacks red and orange pigmentation, resulting in a cool-toned palette of silver, gray, and black. The dorsal blotches are dark charcoal outlined with crisp black borders, set against a pale gray background. The belly pattern remains the familiar black-and-white checkered “corn kernel” pattern, creating a striking monochrome contrast. As individuals mature, many develop subtle silver or lavender undertones, giving them a refined, metallic sheen.
Distribution: A captive-bred color morph of the Corn Snake (P. guttatus), native to the southeastern United States.
Habitat: Wild Corn Snakes inhabit mixed woodlands, grasslands, and farmlands. In captivity, they thrive in naturalistic terrariums that replicate their natural environment with layered substrate, hides, and climbing opportunities.
Behaviour: Calm, alert, and inquisitive. Corn Snakes are primarily crepuscular, becoming most active at dawn and dusk. They are gentle and consistent feeders, making them one of the most beginner-friendly reptiles in the hobby.
Captive Care
Enclosure: A 40-gallon naturalistic terrarium (36” × 18” × 18”) or larger is ideal for adults. Provide a soil-based or semi-bioactive substrate with leaf litter to encourage burrowing. Include multiple hides, cork bark, and climbing branches for enrichment and security.
Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a gradient of 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a basking area around 86–88°F (30–31°C). Nighttime temperatures can drop to 70°F (21°C). Humidity should remain around 40–60%, with a humid hide provided during shedding.
Diet: Offer frozen-thawed rodents every 7–10 days for juveniles and every 10–14 days for adults. Prey should be approximately 1.25× the width of the snake’s mid-body.
Behaviour in Captivity: Gentle, adaptable, and easy to handle. Anery Corn Snakes are active and exploratory, especially in complex, enriched enclosures.
Special Considerations: Corn Snakes are excellent climbers and escape artists—secure enclosures are essential. Naturalistic habitats encourage normal behaviors and enhance overall wellbeing.
Genetics Note
Anerythristic (Recessive)
Removes red and orange pigmentation, resulting in a grayscale appearance composed of black, white, and gray. (“Anerythristic” literally means “without red.”) This gene is recessive, meaning both parents must carry it for it to visually express. The absence of warm pigment enhances contrast and produces a clean, cool-toned look.
Genetic Combination Summary
The Anery morph expresses a single recessive genetic trait:
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Anerythristic = Removes all red and orange pigments, producing grayscale coloration
This simple but striking gene serves as the foundation for numerous combinations, including Anery Motley, Anery Stripe, Snow, and Ghost, each layering new pattern or color traits over the Anery’s cool silver base.