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Description
Corn Snake (Tessera Salmon Snow)
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, muscular body and smooth, glossy scales.
Appearance: The Tessera Salmon Snow Corn Snake is a soft, pastel morph that blends the clean, structured striping of the Tessera gene with the warm, rosy hues of the Salmon Snow combination. The Salmon Snow morph originates from combining Amel (amelanism) and Anery with the addition of Red Factor, which replaces the cooler greys of a traditional Snow with gentle pink and peach undertones. When paired with Tessera, the result is a perfectly aligned dorsal stripe running through a creamy white and soft coral-pink background. As the snake matures, the colours deepen slightly, developing a delicate iridescence and balanced tone across the entire body. The overall effect is a harmonious mix of warmth, light, and structure—refined, subtle, and beautifully modern.
Distribution: A selectively bred form of the Corn Snake (P. guttatus), produced by combining Tessera (dominant) with the Salmon Snow (multi-recessive Amel + Anery + Red Factor) genetic combination.
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, most active during dawn and dusk. They are hardy, dependable feeders that adapt easily to stable husbandry conditions, making them ideal for both breeders and hobbyists.
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 a bioactive blend. Provide multiple hides, cork flats, and climbing décor to encourage natural exploration and reduce stress.
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 45–60%, and provide a humid hide or damp moss during shedding cycles.
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 calm, inquisitive, and thrive on consistent care. They tolerate handling well and adjust easily to routine feeding and maintenance.
Special Considerations: The Tessera Salmon Snow Corn Snake is highly prized for its gentle warmth and clean pastel striping. It is an excellent foundation for breeding projects aiming to enhance pink or coral-based coloration. When paired with complementary morphs such as Hypo or Sunkissed, it can produce brighter, more saturated variations like Coral Salmon Snow Tessera or Sunglow Salmon Tessera, both known for their radiant and refined tones.
Genetics Note
Tessera (Dominant): Produces a clean, unbroken dorsal stripe with symmetrical side markings, emphasizing balance and flow.
Amel (Recessive): Removes all black pigmentation, revealing bright red, orange, and white coloration.
Anery (Recessive): Removes red pigmentation, leaving silver, grey, and white tones that serve as a base for colour-modifying genes.
Red Factor (Incomplete Dominant): Enhances red and pink pigmentation, warming the overall tone of morphs that carry or express it.
Salmon Snow (Multi-Gene Combination – Amel + Anery + Red Factor): Combines Amel and Anery with Red Factor to produce pale pink, peach, and white coloration, replacing the cool tones of a standard Snow with soft, warm blush hues.
Genetic Combination Summary
The Tessera Salmon Snow Corn Snake expresses one dominant and a multi-gene combination of recessive and incomplete dominant traits:
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Tessera (Dominant): Creates structured, linear dorsal and side striping for a balanced, symmetrical pattern.
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Amel + Anery + Red Factor (Salmon Snow Combination): Removes dark pigment while enhancing red and pink tones for a warm, pastel coloration.
Together, these genetics create a smooth, pink-toned Corn Snake with elegant striping and subtle warmth. The Tessera Salmon Snow Corn Snake is both visually delicate and genetically rich—an excellent choice for breeders and collectors seeking refined pastel morphs with soft, glowing tones.