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Description
Corn Snake (Stripe)
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 Stripe Corn Snake is a visually distinct pattern morph characterized by its clean, continuous dorsal striping. Instead of the typical saddle markings, this Corn Snake features two narrow, unbroken lines running along the length of its back, often accompanied by subtle side striping or lateral pattern reduction. The ground color may vary from orange and red to gray or brown depending on other genetic influences, but the stripe pattern itself remains the defining feature. This linear design gives the snake a sleek, streamlined appearance that contrasts sharply with the blotched pattern of wild-type Corn Snakes.
Distribution: A selectively bred morph of the Corn Snake (P. guttatus), developed through the Stripe recessive gene, which modifies the dorsal pattern into parallel longitudinal lines.
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, reliable feeders and adapt readily to various captive environments.
Captive Care
Enclosure: A naturalistic 40-gallon terrarium (36” × 18” × 18”) or larger is suitable for adults. Use soft, loose substrate such as soil, coconut fiber, or a bioactive mix. Provide multiple hides, cork flats, and climbing opportunities.
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). Keep humidity between 45–60%, offering a humid hide during shedding to ensure full skin release.
Diet: Offer frozen-thawed rodents every 7–10 days for juveniles and every 10–14 days for adults. Prey should be roughly 1.25× the width of the snake’s mid-body.
Behaviour in Captivity: Corn Snakes are active and inquisitive, thriving in enclosures that allow exploration and security. They respond well to regular feeding and handling routines, making them excellent display and educational animals.
Special Considerations: The Stripe Corn Snake is often used as a foundation for pattern-focused breeding projects. When combined with other morphs—such as Amel, Hypo, or Anery—it can produce striking variations like Candy Cane Stripe, Ghost Stripe, or Butter Stripe. This versatility has made it one of the most enduring and popular pattern mutations in the species.
Genetics Note
Stripe (Recessive)
Transforms the typical blotched pattern into two continuous dorsal stripes, occasionally with reduced or faded lateral markings. The trait is inherited in a recessive manner, requiring two copies of the gene to express visually.
Genetic Combination Summary
The Stripe Corn Snake expresses a single recessive trait:
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Stripe = Converts the blotched dorsal pattern into two clean, parallel stripes running from neck to tail
This simple yet dramatic genetic modification creates a refined, streamlined look that highlights the Corn Snake’s natural body shape. The Stripe Corn Snake remains one of the most recognizable and influential pattern morphs in the species—both for its aesthetic appeal and its versatility in combination projects.