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Description
Corn Snake (Okeetee het. Blood)
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 sleek, athletic build and smooth, glossy scales.
Appearance: The Okeetee het. Blood Corn Snake is a striking morph known for its bold coloration and rich contrast, carrying hidden genetics that enhance its breeding potential. This Corn Snake features deep orange to reddish saddles outlined by thick, jet-black borders, set against a bright orange or copper background. The Okeetee line is selectively bred from naturally vivid wild specimens found in South Carolina, renowned for their crisp, high-contrast appearance. While the Bloodred (Diffused) gene is not visually expressed in this morph, it may subtly soften the edges of the pattern or deepen red tones, especially near the saddles. The overall look is vibrant and clean—an enduring favorite among classic Corn Snake enthusiasts.
Distribution: A selectively bred morph of the Corn Snake (P. guttatus), originating from the Okeetee locality lineage and carrying the Bloodred (Diffused) recessive trait.
Habitat: Wild Corn Snakes inhabit open forests, fields, and agricultural regions across the southeastern United States, with Okeetee-lineage snakes originally collected from the Okeetee Hunt Club area in South Carolina. In captivity, they thrive in naturalistic terrariums with secure hides, climbing opportunities, and deep substrate for burrowing.
Behaviour: Calm, confident, and curious. Corn Snakes are crepuscular, most active during dawn and dusk. The Okeetee het. Blood Corn Snake retains the species’ gentle temperament and reliable feeding response, making it equally suited for keepers and breeders alike.
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 exploration. Provide multiple hides, cork flats, climbing branches, and plant cover 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 approximately 1.25× the width of the snake’s mid-body.
Behaviour in Captivity: Calm, steady, and easy to handle. Corn Snakes thrive in structured, naturalistic setups. The Okeetee het. Blood Corn Snake combines classic beauty with strong genetics, making it an excellent choice for both display and breeding.
Special Considerations: When paired with a visual or het. Bloodred (Diffused) partner, this morph can produce rich red Okeetee Bloodred combinations—intense snakes that balance bold contrast with saturated color.
Genetics Note
Okeetee Line (Selective Line Trait)
A selectively bred lineage originating from South Carolina, emphasizing high-contrast coloration with thick black saddle borders and bright orange-to-red background tones. This is a polygenic trait, not a single-gene mutation.
het. Bloodred / Diffused (Recessive Carrier)
Carries one copy of the Bloodred (Diffused) gene, which removes belly checkering and reduces or eliminates dorsal patterning when expressed. (“het” is short for heterozygous, meaning one copy is carried but not displayed.)
Genetic Combination Summary
The Okeetee het. Blood Corn Snake expresses one line-bred visual trait and carries one recessive gene:
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Okeetee Line = Produces bold, high-contrast coloration with thick black borders
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het. Bloodred / Diffused = Carrier for pattern and belly reduction
Together, these genetics create a Corn Snake that embodies both natural beauty and future potential. The Okeetee het. Blood Corn Snake represents a fusion of classic lineage refinement and modern breeding depth—ideal for those who value both aesthetic quality and genetic versatility.