Corn Snake (Tessera Cinder)

Corn Snake (Tessera Cinder)

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 body and smooth, glossy scales.

Appearance: The Tessera Cinder Corn Snake is a smoky, cool-toned morph that pairs the clean, organized striping of Tessera with the ash-grey colouration of the Cinder gene. The Cinder trait, part of the Hypo complex, removes most red pigmentation and replaces it with soft greys, muted pinks, and subtle purplish undertones. When expressed alongside the Tessera pattern, the result is a sleek, symmetrical snake with a continuous dorsal stripe and evenly arranged side markings that accentuate its linear form. Hatchlings often display higher contrast with dark grey and lavender hues that mature into a smooth blend of silvery ash and light charcoal. The overall appearance is refined and balanced—an elegant combination of structure and tone.

Distribution: A selectively bred form of the Corn Snake (P. guttatus), created through the combination of Tessera (dominant) and Cinder (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, most active during dawn and dusk. They are hardy, consistent feeders and adjust easily to stable captive conditions, making them excellent for both display and breeding programs.

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Captive Care

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

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 drops to 70°F (21°C). Keep humidity between 45–60%, and provide a humid hide or damp moss 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, curious, and responsive. They thrive under consistent care routines and tolerate handling well when maintained in stable environments.

Special Considerations: The Tessera Cinder Corn Snake is prized for its smooth, smoky aesthetic and unique undertones. When combined with traits such as Hypo or Lavender, it can produce visually exceptional offspring like Hypo Tessera Cinder or Lavender Cinder Tessera, each emphasizing soft greys and lilac hues. This morph serves as an excellent foundation for breeding projects aimed at silver, lavender, or charcoal-inspired lineages.

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Genetics Note

Tessera (Dominant): Produces a crisp, continuous dorsal stripe with symmetrical side markings.
Cinder (Recessive): Reduces red pigmentation and replaces it with soft grey, ash, or lavender tones.

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Genetic Combination Summary

The Tessera Cinder Corn Snake expresses two visible traits:

• Tessera (Dominant): Creates organized, linear dorsal and side striping.

• Cinder (Recessive): Produces cool, ashy tones and subdued red pigmentation for a smoky overall appearance.

Together, these genetics result in a soft-toned, symmetrical Corn Snake with elegant patterning and understated colour depth. The Tessera Cinder Corn Snake is both visually refined and genetically versatile—ideal for breeders seeking to develop pale grey or lavender-inspired morph lines.