Corn Snake (Scaleless Snow)

Corn Snake (Scaleless Snow)

Scientific Name: Pantherophis guttatus
Common Name: Corn Snake

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Species Overview

Size: Adults typically reach 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m) in length, with a slender, muscular build and a smooth, glass-like body surface.

Appearance: The Scaleless Snow Corn Snake is a soft-toned, frosted morph created by combining the Scaleless trait with the Amelanistic (Albino) and Anerythristic recessive genes. This Corn Snake exhibits a clean white to pale pink base coloration with faint lavender or silvery undertones, often accented by subtle blush-pink markings that may fade further as the snake matures. The absence of scales intensifies the clarity and reflectivity of the colors, giving the snake an almost pearlescent finish. The eyes are ruby red, characteristic of amelanistic morphs, contrasting gently against the cool, pastel body tones. The result is a visually delicate and ethereal snake with a smooth, lustrous appearance that makes it one of the most elegant Scaleless morphs.

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

Habitat: Wild Corn Snakes inhabit forests, meadows, and agricultural areas throughout the southeastern United States. In captivity, this morph thrives in naturalistic terrariums that offer secure hides, soft substrate, and gentle climbing structures suitable for scale-free snakes.

Behaviour: Corn Snakes are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk. They are hardy, adaptable, and dependable feeders, suitable for both display and breeding projects when provided with stable environmental conditions.

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Captive Care

Enclosure: A naturalistic 40-gallon terrarium (36” × 18” × 18”) or larger is recommended for adults. Use a soft, non-abrasive substrate such as soil, coconut fiber, or sphagnum blends to protect the snake’s skin. Include rounded décor, cork flats, and plant cover for environmental enrichment and security.

Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a daytime 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). Maintain humidity between 50–65%, providing a humid hide during shedding. Slightly higher humidity levels support smoother sheds in Scaleless individuals.

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

Behaviour in Captivity: Corn Snakes are well adapted to captivity and thrive in naturalistic, well-maintained environments. Scaleless snakes benefit from soft furnishings and moderate humidity to ensure skin health and clean sheds.

Special Considerations: The Scaleless Snow Corn Snake’s neutral coloration makes it an excellent base morph for producing a wide range of pastel and high-contrast combinations. Pairings with Salmon, Hypo, or Lavender lines can create striking offspring with soft coral or lilac hues and an enhanced pearlescent sheen.

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Genetics Note

Scaleless (Recessive)

Removes external scales, creating a smooth, glossy skin that enhances color saturation and reflectivity.

Amelanistic (Recessive)

Removes black pigment, resulting in white, red, and yellow coloration with red eyes.

Anerythristic (Recessive)

Removes red pigment, producing grayscale coloration when expressed alone, but blending with Amelanistic to create the white-based Snow morph.

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Genetic Combination Summary

The Scaleless Snow Corn Snake expresses three recessive traits:

• Scaleless = Removes scales, creating a reflective, smooth surface that enhances color clarity

• Amelanistic = Removes dark pigment, producing white and red-based coloration

• Anerythristic = Removes red pigment, resulting in soft white and silver tones

Together, these traits produce a pale, iridescent Corn Snake with a sleek, glass-like texture and faint pink or lavender accents. The Scaleless Snow Corn Snake is a refined, visually serene morph prized for its soft coloration, smooth texture, and potential in pastel and coral-toned breeding projects.