Corn Snake (Scaleless Caramel)

Corn Snake (Scaleless Caramel)

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 frame and smooth, scale-free surface.

Appearance: The Scaleless Caramel Corn Snake is a visually elegant morph combining the warm golden-brown tones of the Caramel gene with the striking smoothness of the Scaleless trait. This Corn Snake displays a palette of yellow-gold to light bronze tones, with soft brown or olive-patterned saddles that appear diffused and metallic under light. The absence of scales enhances its sheen and depth of color, creating a smooth, almost liquid appearance. The eyes are typically warm amber, complementing its golden hues. This morph’s subtle coloration and reflective skin make it a standout among the more vivid Scaleless varieties, appealing to those who favor refined, naturalistic tones.

Distribution: A selectively bred morph of the Corn Snake (P. guttatus), developed through the combination of the Caramel and Scaleless recessive genes.

Habitat: Wild Corn Snakes inhabit forests, meadows, and farmlands throughout the southeastern United States. In captivity, they thrive in naturalistic enclosures featuring smooth climbing branches, soft substrate, and secure hides to protect the delicate skin.

Behaviour: Corn Snakes are crepuscular, most active during dawn and dusk. They are hardy, adaptable, and reliable feeders, performing well in both naturalistic display setups and breeding programs.

Captive Care

Enclosure: A naturalistic 40-gallon terrarium (36” × 18” × 18”) or larger is ideal for adults. Use a soft, non-abrasive substrate such as coconut fiber or soil mixtures, and include rounded décor like cork flats, smooth branches, and foliage for environmental enrichment. Avoid rough surfaces that may irritate the snake’s skin.

Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a daytime temperature gradient of 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a basking area of 86–88°F (30–31°C). Allow nighttime drops to 70°F (21°C). Keep humidity between 50–65%, providing a humid hide during shedding to aid skin release.

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 width of the snake’s mid-body.

Behaviour in Captivity: Corn Snakes thrive with consistent care, stable temperatures, and naturalistic enclosures. Scaleless individuals benefit from softer substrates and slightly higher humidity for optimal skin condition and smooth sheds.

Special Considerations: The Scaleless Caramel Corn Snake’s soft gold coloration serves as an excellent foundation for breeding lighter or more metallic combinations. Pairings with Butter, Hypo, or Lava can yield luminous offspring ranging from pale gold to rich amber tones with incredible sheen.

Genetics Note

Scaleless (Recessive)

Removes external scales, revealing a smooth, glossy skin surface that enhances color saturation and pattern clarity.

Caramel (Recessive)

Reduces red pigmentation while intensifying yellow and brown tones, producing warm gold or bronze coloration.

Genetic Combination Summary

The Scaleless Caramel Corn Snake expresses two recessive traits:

• Scaleless = Removes scales, producing a reflective, smooth appearance that deepens color vibrancy

• Caramel = Reduces red pigment, emphasizing yellow-gold and bronze tones

Together, these traits produce a sleek, golden Corn Snake with a subtle metallic sheen. The Scaleless Caramel Corn Snake is prized for its elegant coloration and serves as a valuable base morph for creating high-luster combinations such as Scaleless Butter or Scaleless Caramel Hypo.