Corn Snake (Tessera Amel)

Corn Snake (Tessera Amel)

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, athletic body and smooth, glossy scales.

Appearance: The Tessera Amel Corn Snake is a radiant, high-contrast combination of two classic Corn Snake traits. The Tessera gene produces a crisp, unbroken dorsal stripe with organized side patterning, while the Amel (amelanistic) gene removes all black pigmentation, allowing brilliant reds, oranges, and creams to dominate the colour palette. The result is a bright, symmetrical snake with a glassy, polished appearance. Each scale seems to glow with warmth, and the clean striping gives the morph an elegant, refined look that remains consistent into adulthood.

Distribution: A selectively bred form of the Corn Snake (P. guttatus), developed through the combination of Tessera (dominant) and Amel (recessive) traits.

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 during dawn and dusk. They are hardy, consistent feeders that adjust easily to stable environments, making them excellent for both breeding and display.

Captive Care

Enclosure: A 40-gallon terrarium (36” × 18” × 18”) or larger is suitable for adults. Use soft, loose substrate such as soil, coconut fibre, or bioactive blends. Include climbing décor, multiple hides, and secure furnishings to support exploration and natural behaviour.

Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a daytime gradient of 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a basking spot around 86–88°F (30–31°C). Nighttime temperatures can drop to 70°F (21°C). Keep humidity between 45–60%, with a humid hide or moss area provided during shedding.

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

Behaviour in Captivity: Corn Snakes are curious, calm, and active during twilight hours. They tolerate gentle handling and thrive with consistent care routines and enrichment.

Special Considerations: The Tessera Amel Corn Snake is a staple morph for breeders and collectors alike. It provides a clean, high-contrast appearance and serves as an excellent foundation for multi-gene projects. When paired with other morphs such as Caramel, Sunkissed, or Hypo, it produces luminous, visually complex offspring like Butter Tessera and Sunglow Tessera.

Genetics Note

Tessera (Dominant): Creates a precise, continuous dorsal stripe and symmetrical side markings.
Amel (Recessive): Removes black pigmentation, allowing bright orange, red, and cream colours to show vividly.

Genetic Combination Summary

The Tessera Amel Corn Snake expresses two visible traits:

• Tessera (Dominant): Produces linear, symmetrical dorsal and lateral striping.

• Amel (Recessive): Removes dark pigment, enhancing brightness and creating a luminous, clean look.

Together, these genetics create a radiant Corn Snake with sharp striping and glowing coloration. The Tessera Amel Corn Snake is both visually striking and genetically dependable, forming a foundation for future breeding projects focused on colour enhancement and precision pattern development.