Amelanistic Corn Snake: Traits, Genetics, Breeding, Care, & Price Info

Imagine a snake that dazzles with its stunning hues of orange and yellow, devoid of the typical dark markings—meet the Amelanistic Corn Snake!

What makes this morph so sought after among reptile lovers? How can you ensure that your vibrant companion thrives in its habitat?

Join us as we uncover the captivating traits, care tips, and fascinating genetics of the Amel Corn Snake!

Amelanistic Corn Snake History & Genetics

The Amel Corn Snake morph has a rich history that reflects both nature’s beauty and the dedication of reptile breeders.

First identified in the 1990s, this stunning morph captures attention with its vibrant orange and yellow hues, devoid of the typical dark pigments.

The term “amelanistic” refers to the lack of melanin, resulting in a dazzling appearance that stands out in any collection.

As breeders recognized its appeal, they began selectively breeding Amelanistic Corn Snakes to enhance their striking colouration.

This morph is produced through a recessive genetic trait, meaning that both parents must carry the gene for the offspring to display this captivating look.

The Amelanistic gene has since been combined with various other morphs, resulting in a stunning array of colours and patterns.

Today, the Amelanistic CornSnake remains a favourite among reptile enthusiasts, celebrated for its beauty, unique genetics, and friendly temperament.

Taxonomy and Classification

They are classified in the kingdom Animalia and phylum Chordata. It falls under the class Reptilia and orders Squamata, characterized by its scaly skin.

This morph belongs to the family Colubridae and is specifically in the genus Pantherophis and species Pantherophis guttatus.

This classification highlights its unique genetic traits and popularity among snake enthusiasts.

Amelanistic Corn Snake Characteristics

Amelanistic Corn Snake Appearance

Body Color: These Corn Snakes are striking because they lack dark pigments, giving them vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and white. The absence of black colour makes their patterns bright and eye-catching, almost like a fiery mosaic.

Body Shape: They have a slender, muscular body, which allows them to move easily through their surroundings. The smooth scales give their body a polished appearance.

Eyes: The eyes of an Amelanistic Corn Snake are bright red, which is a unique feature. These red eyes add to their charm and make them stand out even more compared to other corn snake morphs.

Head Shape and Tail: Their head is slightly wider than the neck, with clear patterns that extend from head to tail. The tail tapers gently, and the bright colours and patterns continue down.

Speed: These snakes can move quickly when they want to, especially if they feel threatened. However, most of the time, they move slowly and smoothly, giving them a graceful appearance.

Amelanistic Corn Snake Size & Weight

Behaviour and Temperament

• Friendly Nature: They are known for being very friendly and easy to handle. They rarely show aggression and are usually calm, making them perfect for beginner snake owners.
• Curiosity: These snakes are curious explorers. They enjoy roaming their enclosure, climbing branches, and investigating new objects. When held, they are calm and often move slowly across your hands.
• Shy at Times: They might be shy, especially when shedding or new to their environment. Providing a few hiding spots in their enclosure helps them feel secure.

With proper care, they can live between 15 to 20 years. They are a long-term commitment, so preparing for their extended care is important.

Amelanistic Corn Snake Cost

Where to Buy

The best places to buy an Amelanistic Corn Snake are reputable breeders and online reptile stores. Breeders are often the best option because they can provide information about the snake’s health and genetics.

You can also visit reptile expos, where you may find healthy snakes at good prices. Some pet stores carry them, but buying from a breeder is usually a better choice for a well-cared-for snake.

Amel Corn Snake Breeding & Reproduction

Amelanistic Corn Snakes breed in spring after brumation (winter rest).

Before breeding, males and females undergo brumation for 2-3 months at temperatures around 50-60°F (10-15°C) to encourage mating.

After brumation, the male is introduced to the female. Mating occurs if the female is receptive, lasting from a few minutes to hours.

About 30-45 days after mating, the female lays 10-30 eggs in a moist nesting box.

Eggs are incubated at 80-85°F (27-29°C) for about 55-70 days until they hatch.

Hatchlings emerge using an “egg tooth.” They are independent and around 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) long.

Hatchlings are placed in separate enclosures and start feeding on small pinky mice after their first shed.

Some Famous Amel Corn Snake Morph Combination

Butter Corn Snake: This morph combines the Amel gene with the Caramel gene, resulting in a yellow or golden-coloured snake with soft, buttery tones.

Creamsicle Corn Snake: A combination of the Amel gene and the Great Plains Rat Snake genes, Creamsicle Corn Snakes have striking orange and white colouration that resembles a creamsicle treat.

Candy Cane Corn Snake: This morph results from the selective breeding of Amel Corn Snakes to emphasize their white and red bands, making them look like a candy cane.

Snow Corn Snake: The Snow Corn Snake morph is created by combining the Amel gene with the Anery gene. This morph features a pale white or pink body with very subtle markings, giving it a frosty, almost ghostly appearance.

Sunkissed Amel Corn Snake: By combining the Amel gene with the Sunkissed gene, this morph has bright red or orange colours with lighter undertones, giving it a vibrant and sunlit look.

Amel Corn Snake Care Sheet

1. Enclosure Setup

• Size of Tank:
  • Hatchlings: A 10-gallon tank is suitable for hatchlings.
  • Adults: A 20-30 gallon tank is ideal for adults, though larger enclosures allow more space for exercise and enrichment.
• Type of Enclosure:
  • Glass Terrarium Offers excellent visibility, making monitoring your Amel Corn Snake easy. However, it can sometimes struggle with maintaining consistent humidity.
  • Plastic Terrarium: Better at maintaining humidity and easier to clean, though less transparent than glass. Ideal for those who prioritize low maintenance.
• Substrate:
  • Recommended Substrates: Aspen bedding, cypress mulch, or paper towels. Aspen is a popular choice due to its absorbency and ability to allow burrowing behaviour, which Amel Corn Snakes enjoy. Avoid cedar or pine substrates as these are harmful to snakes.
• Decor:
  • Provide at least two hides (one on the warm side, one on the cool side), along with branches, climbing structures, and plants (real or artificial). Hides and decorations will help your Amel Corn Snake feel secure and encourage natural behaviours.

2. Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature Gradient:
  • Create a basking area with temperatures around 85°F-90°F on one side of the enclosure.
  • The cooler side should be maintained around 75°F-80°F. This temperature gradient is crucial for your snake to thermoregulate.
• Heating: Use an under-tank heater (UTH) or a heat lamp for the basking area. Ensure it’s connected to a thermostat to regulate temperature and prevent overheating.
• Humidity: Aim for 40-50% humidity. This level is sufficient for the Amel Corn Snake’s needs. Mist the enclosure lightly or provide a water dish on the warmer side to help with humidity when needed.
• Monitoring: Install thermometers on both the warm and cool sides of the tank to accurately monitor temperature. Use a hygrometer to track humidity levels.

3. Lighting

They don’t require special UVB lighting, but providing a natural day/night cycle of 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness is beneficial. You can achieve this with room lighting or a daylight bulb.

• UVB Lighting: UVB lighting is optional but can be used in low-intensity (2.0-5.0 UVB strength) setups to simulate sunlight, though it’s not essential for corn snakes.

4. Feeding

Feed appropriately sized rodents based on the snake’s age and size. Hatchlings start on pinky mice, while juveniles and adults should have progressively larger prey such as adult mice.

• Feeding Schedule:
  • Hatchlings: Feed every 5-7 days.
  • Juveniles: Every 7-10 days.
  • Adults: Every 10-14 days.
• Feeding Tips: Offer pre-killed, thawed rodents to reduce the risk of injury to your snake. Use tongs to present the food to avoid accidental bites and to ensure the snake remains focused on its prey.
• Supplements: No specific supplements are necessary if your snake is fed whole prey like mice, which provide complete nutrition.

5. Water

• Fresh Water:
  • Provide fresh, clean water at all times. Replace the water daily to prevent bacterial growth.
• Water Dish:
  • Use a shallow water dish that’s large enough for the snake to soak in, especially during shedding periods. Ensure it’s sturdy to prevent tipping.
• Hydration Needs:
  • Amel Corn Snakes will drink from their water dish and occasionally soak, especially before shedding. Always have fresh water available for hydration.

6. Handling

• How to Handle: Handle your Amel Corn Snake gently, supporting its body with both hands. Approach from the side or underneath to avoid startling it.
• Frequency of Handling:
  • Handle your snake 1-2 times per week to keep it familiar with human contact. Avoid handling for at least 48 hours after feeding to prevent regurgitation.
• Taming Process: Start with short handling sessions (5-10 minutes) and gradually increase the duration as your Amel Corn Snake gets more comfortable with human interaction.

7. Shedding

• Signs of Shedding:
  • Before shedding, your Amel Corn Snake’s skin may appear dull, and its eyes will become cloudy or bluish. This is called going “opaque.”
• Shedding Issues:
  • If your snake has trouble shedding, you can increase the humidity or provide a moist hide. Make sure your snake has rough surfaces to help it remove old skin.
• Frequency of Shedding: Hatchlings shed every 4-6 weeks, while adults shed less frequently, about every 6-8 weeks depending on growth and health.

8. Health & Common Issues

• Signs of Illness:
  • Look out for respiratory infections (wheezing, bubbling from the nose), external parasites (mites), or internal parasites (diarrhea, weight loss).
  • Check for abnormal behaviour like food refusal or frequent soaking (which could indicate mites or overheating).
• Preventive Care: Keep the enclosure clean, maintain proper temperatures, and quarantine new snakes for at least 30 days before introducing them to an existing collection.
• Vet Visits: Schedule a checkup with a reptile veterinarian if you notice any signs of illness or abnormal behaviour.

9. Cleaning & Maintenance

• Spot Cleaning: Remove waste, uneaten food, and soiled substrate as needed, typically every 2-3 days.
• Deep Cleaning: Perform a full enclosure cleaning about once a month. Remove and replace all substrate, clean the water dish, and disinfect the tank and decor using a reptile-safe cleaning solution.
• Safe Cleaning Products: Use reptile-safe disinfectants or a vinegar and water solution. Avoid using household cleaners like bleach unless diluted and rinsed thoroughly.

Conclusion

The Amelanistic Corn Snake dazzles with its bright reds, oranges, and yellows, making it a favorite among reptile enthusiasts.

Its gentle temperament and vibrant morph combinations make them a delightful choice for both new and experienced snake owners.