Corn Snake (Bloodred)

Corn Snake (Bloodred)

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 firm, muscular build and smooth, glossy scales.

Appearance: The Bloodred Corn Snake is one of the most iconic and visually striking color morphs in the species, known for its deep, uniform red coloration and lack of traditional patterning. This Corn Snake exhibits rich crimson to brick-red tones across the entire body, with only subtle variations in shade along the dorsum. The belly is completely free of the species’ typical black-and-white checkering, instead showing a clean, creamy underside. The head is often darker than the body, blending smoothly into the uniform red tones. As individuals mature, the color deepens, developing a near-glossy finish that gives the snake a refined, almost metallic appearance. The Bloodred Corn Snake exemplifies simplicity and color purity, making it one of the most admired foundational morphs in modern breeding.

Distribution: A captive-bred morph of the Corn Snake (P. guttatus), developed through selective breeding of Diffusedand high-red lines.

Habitat: Wild Corn Snakes inhabit pine forests, open meadows, and agricultural fields throughout the southeastern United States. In captivity, they thrive in naturalistic terrariums that provide both burrowing and climbing opportunities.

Behaviour: Calm, curious, and steady. Corn Snakes are crepuscular, most active during dawn and dusk. The Bloodred Corn Snake retains the species’ gentle temperament and strong feeding habits, making it suitable for keepers of all experience levels.

Captive Care

Enclosure: A naturalistic 40-gallon terrarium (36” × 18” × 18”) or larger is ideal for adults. Use a soil-based or bioactive substrate layered with leaf litter to encourage burrowing and scent exploration. Provide multiple hides, cork flats, climbing branches, and plants for enrichment and security.

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). Maintain humidity between 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 size should be roughly 1.25× the snake’s mid-body width.

Behaviour in Captivity: Calm, confident, and easy to handle. Corn Snakes thrive in naturalistic setups that promote exploration and consistent behavior. The Bloodred Corn Snake’s simplicity and rich coloration make it a cornerstone morph for both breeding and display.

Special Considerations: Because Bloodred Corn Snakes have reduced patterning, slight color variations may become more pronounced with age. Provide shaded areas, as intense light can wash out the natural depth of their coloration.

Genetics Note

Bloodred (Diffused – Recessive)

Removes belly checkering and reduces or eliminates dorsal patterning, creating a smooth, uniform red appearance. It enhances red pigmentation across the entire body, resulting in one of the deepest and most saturated colorations of any Corn Snake morph.

Genetic Combination Summary

The Bloodred Corn Snake expresses a single visible recessive trait:

• Bloodred (Diffused) = Produces solid red coloration with a clean, unpatterned belly

This morph’s balance of deep, uniform coloration and smooth appearance makes it one of the most elegant and recognizable Corn Snake varieties. The Bloodred Corn Snake continues to serve as a foundational genetic line for many advanced combinations, including Blood Piedside, Blood Stripe, and Scaleless Bloodred morphs.