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Description
Corn Snake (Tessera Amel het. Blood)
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 build and smooth, glossy scales.
Appearance: The Tessera Amel het. Blood Corn Snake showcases the vivid contrast of Amelanism with the clean, linear striping of the Tessera gene. This combination produces a vibrant orange-and-white snake with a continuous dorsal stripe running from head to tail, accented by crisp, symmetrical side markings. The Amel (amelanistic) trait removes all black pigment, leaving pure red, orange, and cream tones, while the Tessera pattern emphasizes the snake’s natural symmetry and sleek appearance. Though the Blood gene is not expressed in this heterozygous form, it carries the potential to create deep red offspring when paired with another Blood carrier or visual.
Distribution: A selectively bred form of the Corn Snake (P. guttatus), combining Tessera (dominant), Amel (recessive), and a single copy of Blood (recessive carrier).
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, displaying their highest activity at dawn and dusk. They are hardy, adaptable, and excellent feeders, making them reliable and rewarding captives.
Captive Care
Enclosure: A 40-gallon terrarium (36” × 18” × 18”) or larger is recommended for adults. Use soft, loose substrate such as soil, coconut fibre, or bioactive blends to encourage burrowing. Include multiple hides, cork flats, and climbing décor to provide enrichment and security.
Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a daytime gradient of 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a basking area near 86–88°F (30–31°C). Allow nighttime temperatures to drop to 70°F (21°C). Keep humidity between 45–60%, and provide a humid hide during shedding.
Diet: Offer frozen-thawed rodents approximately 1.25× the width of the snake’s mid-body. Feed juveniles every 7–10 days and adults every 10–14 days.
Behaviour in Captivity: Corn Snakes are active, calm, and inquisitive. They thrive with consistent care routines, steady feeding schedules, and gentle handling.
Special Considerations: The Tessera Amel het. Blood Corn Snake is both visually striking and genetically valuable. When paired with compatible partners, it can produce offspring such as Tessera Blood Amel or Blood Amel, which display deeper crimson tones and intensified striping. This morph serves as an excellent foundation for high-red breeding projects.
Genetics Note
Tessera (Dominant): Produces a clean, continuous dorsal stripe and organized side patterning, resulting in symmetrical, high-contrast markings.
Amel (Recessive): Removes black pigment, revealing vivid orange, red, and cream tones beneath.
het. Blood (Recessive Carrier): Carries one copy of the Blood gene, which enhances and deepens red pigmentation when visual. (“het” is short for heterozygous, meaning one copy is carried but not expressed.)
Genetic Combination Summary
The Tessera Amel het. Blood Corn Snake expresses two visible traits and carries a third:
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Tessera (Dominant): Creates a strong dorsal stripe and balanced side markings.
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Amel (Recessive): Removes dark pigmentation, intensifying reds and oranges.
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het. Blood (Recessive Carrier): Adds genetic potential for deep red coloration in offspring.
Together, these genetics produce a radiant, high-contrast Corn Snake with clear linear definition and strong breeding potential. The Tessera Amel het. Blood Corn Snake is prized for its vibrant appearance, reliable temperament, and ability to enhance red-based morph projects.