Have you ever wondered what makes the Anery Corn Snake a captivating addition to the world of pet reptiles?
With its striking black, white, and grey colouration, this morph stands out as one of the most beautiful snakes you can own.
What unique traits set it apart from other corn snakes? And how can you ensure it thrives in your care?
Let’s explore the world of Anery Corn Snakes and discover why they’re a favourite among snake enthusiasts!
Anery Corn Snake History & Genetics
The history of the Anerythristic Corn Snake is a tale of nature’s artistry and human passion for breeding.
First spotted in the late 1990s, this stunning morph caught the eye of reptile enthusiasts with its striking lack of red pigmentation, showcasing a beautiful palette of blacks, whites, and greys.
The name “anerythristic” hints at this unique absence of colour, transforming the familiar corn snake into a captivating spectacle.
As breeders recognized the allure of this morph, they embarked on a journey to enhance its vibrant appearance.
The Anery gene is recessive, meaning that both parents must carry this special trait for their hatchlings to inherit the captivating look.
This genetic intrigue sparked a breeding frenzy, leading to exciting combinations with other morphs and creating an entire lineage dedicated to this elegant snake.
Today, the Anery Corn Snake morph stands as a symbol of both the beauty of genetic diversity and the dedication of breeders who brought this stunning creature into the spotlight.
Taxonomy & Classification
The Anery CornSnake is a striking morph of the Pantherophis guttatus species within the Colubridae family.
Classified under the kingdom Animalia and phylum Chordata, it belongs to the reptile class Reptilia and the order Squamata.
Its unique genetics and adaptability make the Anery variant a favourite among reptile enthusiasts.
Anery Corn Snake Characteristics
Anery Corn Snake Appearance
Body Color: Anery Corn Snakes are unique because they lack the red and orange colors that many other corn snakes have. Instead, their scales are a mix of shades like grey, black, white, and sometimes hints of silver. This muted colour gives them a cool, ghost-like look.
Body Shape: Their body is long and slender, perfect for slithering through their natural environment. The scales are smooth, which makes them look sleek.
Eyes: They have dark, expressive eyes that contrast well with their greyish body. The eyes usually have a dark rim, giving them a mysterious and captivating gaze.
Head Shape and Tail: The head of an Anery Snake is slightly distinct from the neck but not very wide. Their tail tapers gradually, and the patterns along it are usually darker, fading towards the tip.
Speed: These snakes are not very fast movers. They can be quick if startled but generally prefer to move slowly and explore their surroundings at a comfortable pace.
Anery Corn Snake Size & Weight
Behavior and Temperament
- Calm Nature: These Corn Snakes are known for their calm and easygoing nature. They are a great choice for beginners as they are rarely aggressive.
- Curious Explorers: They are naturally curious and enjoy exploring their environment. When held, they tend to move slowly and seem to enjoy being handled.
- Shy at Times: They can be a bit shy, especially during shedding periods or when in a new environment. Providing them with hiding places helps them feel safe and secure.
Anery Corn Snake Lifespan
They can live between 15 to 20 years if they receive proper care, making them a long-term commitment for reptile enthusiasts.
Anery Corn Snake Cost
Where to Buy:
The best place to buy it is from reputable breeders or specialized reptile expos. You can also find them through online reptile marketplaces, but always ensure the seller is well-reviewed and trustworthy.
Local pet stores sometimes carry them too, but purchasing directly from a breeder often means a healthier and better-cared-for snake.
Anery Corn Snake Breeding & Reproduction
Anery Corn Snakes typically breed in the spring, right after their winter brumation (a hibernation-like period).
Before breeding, both males and females should go through brumation for 2-3 months.
During this time, the temperature in their enclosure is lowered to around 50-60°F (10-15°C). This helps stimulate their natural breeding instincts once they return to warmer temperatures.
Mating Process
After brumation, the male and female are introduced in the same enclosure. Males will start to show interest by moving towards the female, flicking their tongue, and sometimes wrapping around her to initiate mating.
Mating occurs when the male successfully aligns his body with the female’s and uses his hemipenes to fertilize her eggs.
Egg Laying & Incubation
About 30-45 days after mating, the female will lay her eggs. She usually lays between 10 to 30 eggs, depending on her size and health.
Once the eggs are laid, they need to be carefully moved to an incubator. The ideal temperature for incubating corn snake eggs is around 80-85°F (27-29°C).
Incubation typically lasts between 55 to 70 days, during which the eggs should be kept in a warm and humid environment to ensure healthy development.
After the incubation period, the hatchlings will begin to break through their eggs using a specialized “egg tooth.”
It can take a day or two for all the babies to fully emerge. Hatchlings are usually around 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) long and are independent from birth.
Some Famous Anery Corn Snake Morph Combination
Snow Corn Snake: This morph is a combination of the Anery (anerythristic) gene and the Amel (amelanistic) gene. Snow Corn Snake morph almost entirely white or pale pink with subtle patterns, giving them a frosty appearance.
Ghost Corn Snake: Created by combining the Anery gene with the Hypo gene (which reduces melanin), Ghost Corn Snakes have muted grey and silver colors with very soft, pastel markings.
Charcoal Corn Snake: This morph results from combining the Anery gene with other mutations that enhance the black and grey tones, making the snake look almost like a monochrome version of a normal corn snake.
Granite Corn Snake: This morph occurs when Anery Corn Snakes are bred with the Diffused gene. It results in a patternless look with shades of grey, giving a speckled granite-like effect.
Anery Corn Snake Care Sheet
1. Enclosure Setup
- Size of Tank:
- Hatchlings: A 10-gallon tank is suitable.
- Adults: A minimum of 20-30 gallons for an adult snake, though larger enclosures are recommended to allow for more activity and enrichment.
- Type of Enclosure:
- Glass Terrarium: Provides excellent visibility but may have issues maintaining humidity.
- Plastic Terrarium: Retains humidity better, is lighter, and is easier to clean, though visibility may be less clear.
- Substrate:
- Recommended Substrates: Aspen bedding, cypress mulch, or paper towels are ideal. Avoid cedar or pine as they contain oils harmful to snakes. Aspen is commonly preferred because it’s easy to clean and allows burrowing behaviour.
- Decor:
- Provide at least two hides (one on the warm side, one on the cool side), branches for climbing, and artificial or real plants for enrichment. Enrichment such as climbing structures or tunnels allows for natural behaviors.
2. Temperature & Humidity
- Temperature Gradient:
- Maintain a basking spot of around 85°F to 90°F on one side of the tank.
- The cooler side should stay around 75°F to 80°F. This gradient allows the snake to regulate its body temperature.
- Heating:
- Use an under-tank heater (UTH) or heat lamp to create the warm spot. Ensure it’s connected to a thermostat to prevent overheating.
- Humidity:
- Aim for humidity levels between 40-50%, which is optimal for Anery Corn Snakes.
- To maintain this, you can mist the enclosure lightly, especially during shedding periods.
- Monitoring: Use thermometers on both sides of the tank to monitor the temperature gradient. A hygrometer is essential to keep track of humidity levels.
3. Lighting
- Day/Night Cycle:
- Corn snakes don’t require special UVB lighting, but providing a natural day/night cycle (12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness) is important. You can use ambient room lighting or a simple daylight bulb to replicate the cycle.
- UVB Lighting:
- Not mandatory for Corn Snakes, but some owners provide low-level UVB to simulate natural sunlight. If you do, ensure it’s not too intense (2.0-5.0 UVB strength).
4. Feeding
Feed appropriately sized rodents (mice or rats) based on the snake’s size. Hatchlings can start with pinky mice, while adults should have larger prey like adult mice.
- Feeding Schedule:
- Hatchlings: Feed every 5-7 days.
- Juveniles: Every 7-10 days.
- Adults: Feed every 10-14 days.
- Feeding Tips: Always offer thawed, pre-killed rodents instead of live prey to prevent injury to your snake. Use feeding tongs to present the food.
- Supplements: No specific supplements are necessary as long as the snake is eating a well-balanced diet of whole prey.
5. Water
6. Handling
- How to Handle:
- Handle your snake gently, supporting its body. Avoid quick or sudden movements as this can stress the snake.
- Frequency of Handling:
- Handle them a few times a week for short sessions (10-15 minutes), gradually increasing the duration as the snake gets used to it. Avoid handling right after feeding to prevent regurgitation.
- Taming Process:
- Start with short handling sessions, allowing the snake to become comfortable with human interaction. Over time, the Anery Corn Snake will become more accustomed to being handled.
7. Shedding
- Signs of Shedding: Before shedding, your snake’s eyes may become cloudy or bluish, and its skin may appear dull.
- Shedding Issues: If they have trouble shedding, provide a humidity box or lightly mist the enclosure to increase humidity. Make sure the snake has rough surfaces to help rub off the old skin.
- Frequency of Shedding: Hatchlings shed more often as they grow quickly, approximately every 4-6 weeks. Adults shed less frequently, around every 6-8 weeks.
8. Health & Common Issues
9. Cleaning & Maintenance
- Spot Cleaning: Remove waste and soiled substrate as soon as you notice it, usually every few days.
- Deep Cleaning: Once a month, do a full cleaning of the enclosure. Replace all the substrate and clean all decor with a reptile-safe disinfectant.
- Safe Cleaning Products: Use reptile-safe cleaning products or a solution of diluted vinegar and water. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach.
Conclusion
The Anery Corn Snake is a beautiful morph that stands out with its unique shades of black, grey, and silver.
With their easy-going nature, manageable care needs, and fascinating morph combinations, they make wonderful pets for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
