Corn Snake (Sunkissed Candy Cane)

Corn Snake (Sunkissed Candy Cane)

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 lean, muscular build and smooth, glossy scales.

Appearance: The Sunkissed Candy Cane Corn Snake combines the vivid red-and-white contrast of the Candy Cane line with the soft pattern diffusion and warmth of the Sunkissed gene. This Corn Snake displays a clean white to cream-colored base overlaid with rich cherry-red to orange-red saddles. The Sunkissed gene smooths saddle edges and reduces harsh contrast, creating a more blended, glowing appearance compared to the crisp traditional Candy Cane. The eyes are bright red, typical of Amelanistic snakes, and the overall tone often deepens with age into a balanced mix of warm white and bright red. The result is a radiant, high-contrast morph with softened transitions and exceptional color balance.

Distribution: A selectively bred morph of the Corn Snake (P. guttatus), created by combining Sunkissed and Amelanistic recessive genes, selectively bred for the red-on-white Candy Cane appearance.

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, active mainly during dawn and dusk. They are hardy, consistent feeders and adapt well to naturalistic setups with stable environmental conditions.

Captive Care

Enclosure: A naturalistic 40-gallon terrarium (36” × 18” × 18”) or larger is ideal for adults. Use soft substrate such as soil, coconut fiber, or a bioactive mix. Provide multiple hides, cork flats, smooth 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). Keep humidity between 45–60%, and include a humid hide during shedding to promote full skin release.

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 snake’s mid-body width.

Behaviour in Captivity: Corn Snakes thrive in structured, stable environments. They are active, inquisitive, and adjust well to consistent care.

Special Considerations: The Sunkissed Candy Cane Corn Snake is highly desirable for breeding projects that enhance red and white coloration while softening contrast. When paired with morphs like Hypo, Caramel, or Lava, offspring may express warmer hues, peach undertones, or brighter red patterning with even smoother transitions.

Genetics Note

Sunkissed (Recessive)

Part of the Diffused complex, this gene softens pattern edges, enhances color brightness, and produces a smoother, more even tone.

Amelanistic (Recessive)

Removes black pigment, creating red, orange, and white coloration with red eyes.

Candy Cane (Selective Line Trait)

A selectively bred line of Amelanistic Corn Snakes emphasizing bright red saddles on a clean white background. This is a polygenic trait refined through line selection.

Genetic Combination Summary

The Sunkissed Candy Cane Corn Snake expresses two recessive and one polygenic trait:

• Sunkissed = Softens pattern edges and brightens overall tone

• Amelanistic = Removes black pigment, producing vivid red and white coloration

• Candy Cane Line = Selectively bred for strong red saddles over a white base

Together, these genetics produce a glowing, high-contrast Corn Snake with a warm, blended red-and-white pattern. The Sunkissed Candy Cane Corn Snake is both visually appealing and genetically versatile, serving as an ideal base for further refinement in red, orange, and pastel-based breeding projects.