Corn Snake (Tessera Anery Stripe)

Corn Snake (Tessera Anery 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 build and smooth, glossy scales.

Appearance: The Tessera Anery Stripe Corn Snake is a striking, cool-toned combination of three genetic traits that work together to create one of the cleanest, most symmetrical patterns in the species. The Tessera gene forms a precise dorsal stripe, while the Stripe gene reinforces linearity by reducing or removing traditional saddles, replacing them with smooth, continuous dorsal bands. The Anery (Anerythristic) gene removes red pigmentation, leaving behind an elegant palette of silver, charcoal, and white tones. Together, these traits create a visually refined snake with flawless pattern alignment and metallic, monochrome colouration.

Distribution: A selectively bred form of the Corn Snake (P. guttatus), developed through the combination of Tessera (dominant), Anery (recessive), and Stripe (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 and active during twilight hours. They are hardy, dependable feeders that adjust well to stable captive environments, making them suitable for both breeders and enthusiasts.

---

Captive Care

Enclosure: A naturalistic 40-gallon terrarium (36” × 18” × 18”) or larger is ideal for adults. Use a soft, moisture-retentive substrate such as soil, coconut fibre, or bioactive blends. Include climbing branches, cork bark, and multiple hides to encourage exploration and reduce stress.

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%, with a humid hide available during shedding cycles.

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 gentle, curious, and reliable feeders. They thrive on predictable routines and consistent care, adapting well to handling and display environments.

Special Considerations: This morph is valued for its high contrast and crisp linear definition. When paired with additional traits such as Hypo or Red Factor, it can produce stunning variations like Ghost Tessera Stripe or Red Factor Anery Tessera Stripe, known for their soft pastels and refined markings. The Tessera Anery Stripe Corn Snake is ideal for breeders seeking cool-toned morphs with extreme symmetry and visual clarity.

---

Genetics Note

Tessera (Dominant): Produces a clean, continuous dorsal stripe and structured side markings.
Anery (Recessive): Removes red pigmentation, leaving a palette of grey, silver, and black.
Stripe (Recessive): Reinforces the dorsal line and eliminates saddles, enhancing linear flow.

---

Genetic Combination Summary

The Tessera Anery Stripe Corn Snake expresses three visible traits:

• Tessera (Dominant): Creates structured, symmetrical dorsal and side striping.

• Anery (Recessive): Removes red pigment for cool, silver-and-charcoal tones.

• Stripe (Recessive): Simplifies the dorsal pattern into smooth, continuous lines.

Together, these genetics produce a sleek, monochromatic Corn Snake with exceptional pattern precision and balance. The Tessera Anery Stripe Corn Snake exemplifies refinement and uniformity—an excellent addition for collections and breeding projects focused on silver-based or striped lineages.