Corn Snake (Tessera Charcoal)

Corn Snake (Tessera Charcoal)

Scientific Name: Pantherophis guttatus
Common Name: Corn Snake

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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 Charcoal Corn Snake is a cool-toned, visually refined morph that combines the sleek, linear precision of the Tessera gene with the soft, silver-grey tones of Charcoal. The Charcoal trait removes both red and much of the yellow pigmentation, resulting in a smooth gradient of silvers, greys, and muted whites across the body. The Tessera pattern adds a clean, continuous dorsal stripe bordered by evenly arranged side markings, giving the morph a structured, symmetrical appearance. The overall effect is metallic and understated, producing one of the most elegant and modern-looking Corn Snake combinations available.

Distribution: A selectively bred form of the Corn Snake (P. guttatus), produced through the combination of Tessera (dominant) and Charcoal (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, becoming most active during dawn and dusk. They are hardy, consistent feeders that adapt well to regular handling and stable environments, making them suitable for both display and breeding.

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Captive Care

Enclosure: A 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. Provide climbing décor, cork bark, and multiple hides to promote natural behaviours 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 temperatures to drop to 70°F (21°C). Keep humidity between 45–60%, and include a humid hide or moss area 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 calm, inquisitive, and highly adaptable. They thrive with consistent care routines, gentle handling, and well-structured enclosures.

Special Considerations: The Tessera Charcoal Corn Snake is prized for its minimalistic elegance and versatility in breeding. When combined with other traits such as Amel or Diffused, it can produce pale, pattern-softened morphs like Blizzard Tessera or Ghost Tessera, depending on genetic pairings. Its silvery base makes it an excellent foundation for future ghost or monochromatic breeding projects.

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Genetics Note

Tessera (Dominant): Produces a crisp, unbroken dorsal stripe and symmetrical side markings.
Charcoal (Recessive): Removes red and yellow pigmentation, creating smooth silver, grey, and white tones.

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Genetic Combination Summary

The Tessera Charcoal Corn Snake expresses two visible traits:

• Tessera (Dominant): Creates balanced dorsal striping and organized side markings.

• Charcoal (Recessive): Produces a muted, silvery appearance with no red or yellow pigment.

Together, these genetics result in a refined, silver-grey Corn Snake with striking symmetry and a clean, contemporary aesthetic. The Tessera Charcoal Corn Snake is both visually elegant and genetically valuable—an ideal addition for collections or breeding projects focusing on cool-toned, pattern-refined morphs.