Corn Snake (Tessera Anery)

Corn Snake (Tessera 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 Tessera Anery Corn Snake is a refined, silver-toned morph that combines the crisp linear striping of the Tessera gene with the cool, desaturated hues of Anery (Anerythristic). The Anery gene removes red pigmentation entirely, resulting in a monochromatic pattern of silver, grey, white, and black, while the Tessera pattern creates a precise, unbroken dorsal stripe that runs the length of the body. The contrasting tones and symmetrical lines give this morph a strikingly modern, metallic appearance. The head and neck often feature subtle banding that blends seamlessly into the continuous dorsal line, adding to the snake’s balanced aesthetic.

Distribution: A selectively bred form of the Corn Snake (P. guttatus), developed through the combination of Tessera (dominant) and Anery (recessive) traits.

Habitat: Wild Corn Snakes inhabit a range of habitats across the southeastern United States, including forests, fields, and agricultural areas. In captivity, this morph thrives in naturalistic terrariums with soft substrate, climbing branches, and secure hiding areas.

Behaviour: Corn Snakes are crepuscular, becoming most active during dawn and dusk. They are hardy, dependable feeders and adjust easily to stable captive conditions, making them suitable for both breeding and display.

Captive Care

Enclosure: A 40-gallon terrarium (36” × 18” × 18”) or larger is ideal for adults. Use soft, moisture-retentive substrate such as soil, coconut fibre, or bioactive mixes. Include multiple hides, cork bark, and climbing décor to encourage natural behaviour and activity.

Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a daytime gradient of 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a basking area near 86–88°F (30–31°C). Nighttime temperatures can drop to 70°F (21°C). Keep humidity between 45–60%, and provide a humid hide during shedding.

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

Behaviour in Captivity: Corn Snakes are alert, calm, and curious. They tolerate gentle handling and thrive under consistent care routines and feeding schedules.

Special Considerations: The Tessera Anery Corn Snake is highly valued for its clean, balanced appearance and cool silver coloration. When combined with traits such as Hypo, Red Factor, or Stripe, it can produce elegant morphs like Ghost Tessera or Anery Tessera Stripes, each emphasizing precision and contrast. It remains one of the most visually refined and reliable morphs in silver-based breeding projects.

Genetics Note

Tessera (Dominant): Produces a clean, continuous dorsal stripe and symmetrical side markings.
Anery (Recessive): Removes red pigmentation, leaving silver, grey, and black tones.

Genetic Combination Summary

The Tessera Anery Corn Snake expresses two visible traits:

• Tessera (Dominant): Creates structured, symmetrical dorsal striping and balanced side markings.

• Anery (Recessive): Removes red pigment, producing a cool, monochromatic palette.

Together, these genetics produce a sleek, silver-toned Corn Snake with exceptional pattern definition and contrast. The Tessera Anery Corn Snake is both visually sophisticated and genetically dependable—ideal for collectors and breeders working with cool-toned or minimalist morph lines.