Imagine a snake that embodies the calm and cool hues of the sky on a clear summer day. The Blue Corn Snake is a stunning reptile that captures attention with its mesmerizing blue scales and gentle nature. This unique snake is a feast for the eyes and a fascinating creature to care for and observe. Whether you’re a seasoned snake enthusiast or someone new to the world of reptiles, the Blue Corn Snake’s beauty and intriguing personality are bound to leave a lasting impression.
History of the Blue Corn Snake
The Blue Corn Snake is a captivating morph of the Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus), a species native to the southeastern United States. Corn snakes have a rich history dating back thousands of years, with their name believed to have originated from their frequent presence in cornfields where they hunted rodents. The Blue Corn Snake, however, is a result of selective breeding, a process that began in the mid-20th century as reptile enthusiasts sought to create visually striking colour variations.
The development of the Blue Corn Snake morph is relatively recent compared to other corn snake morphs. It emerged as breeders experimented with different genetic combinations to produce a snake with a predominantly blue colouration. The exact origins of this morph are somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it is widely appreciated for its unique appearance and the effort it took to bring this vision to life.
Taxonomy and Classification
The Blue Corn Snake is a member of the species Pantherophis guttatus, which belongs to the family Colubridae. Corn snakes, including the Blue Corn Snake, are closely related to rat snakes and share many characteristics. This species is non-venomous and known for its docile temperament, making it a popular choice among reptile enthusiasts.
Classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Colubridae |
| Genus | Pantherophis |
| Species | Pantherophis guttata |
Blue-Corn Snake Characteristics
Blue Corn Snake Appearance: How does the blue corn look? The Blue Corn Snake is truly a sight to behold. They have slender, elongated bodies with smooth scales that give them a sleek, almost shiny appearance.
Its most defining feature is its stunning blue colouration, which can range from a soft, powdery blue to a more intense, almost electric shade. This blue hue is complemented by a series of darker blue or black markings that run along the length of its body, adding to its striking appearance. Their eyes are also blue or greyish-blue, matching the overall bluish hue of their scales.
Size: Their length is generally between 3 and 5 feet. Like lavender corn snakes, their size is not too long, which makes them easily manageable. Female blue-corn snakes are longer than male blue-corn snakes.
Weight: Their weight is between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds (approximately 680 and 1135 grams) when fully grown. However, their weight can vary depending on their diet, size, and age. Baby Blue Corn Snakes start much lighter, usually weighing around 0.1 to 0.2 ounces (about 3 to 6 grams) when they hatch.
Behaviour: Like other corn snakes, they are known for their calm and friendly nature. They are easy to handle and are less aggressive compared to other snakes. This makes them an excellent choice for beginners. They are primarily nocturnal, like ball python morphs, meaning they are more active during the evening and night.
Lifespan: Like the palmetto snake and Okeetee corn snake, the blue corn snake’s lifetime is about 15 to 20 years, with some even reaching up to 25 years. In the wild, their lifespan may be shorter due to factors like predation, disease, and environmental conditions.
Blue Corn Snake Reproduction
Like other corn snake morphs, the process of breeding in the blue snakes starts in the spring, from March to May, after the process of brumation. Their age should be at least 2 to 3 years old before they are bred.
During brumation, snakes eat less, but before this period, they should be well-fed to ensure they have enough energy stored for the process. After brumation, when the temperature is gradually raised back to normal (about 75–85°F or 24-29°C), the male and female snakes can be introduced. It’s best to introduce them in a neutral space or the female’s enclosure.
The male blue snake shows interest by flicking his tongue and rubbing against the female blue snake. If the female snake is ready to mate, they will breed, which can take a few hours. This can take several hours. Sometimes, mating happens multiple times over a few days to ensure fertilization.
The female carries the eggs inside their body about 4 to 6 weeks after mating. After that time, she needs a warm, humid, moist, and hidden spot, like under leaves or in a burrow, to lay her eggs. And then she laid a clutch of 10 to 30 eggs. Once the eggs are laid, the female’s job is done—she doesn’t care for the eggs any further.
The eggs then incubate on their own for about 60 to 65 days. When the baby corn snakes are ready to hatch, they use a special tooth to break off their eggshells and come out of them. These baby snakes are fully independent of birth and will start hunting small prey, like pinky mice, and gradually move on to larger prey as they grow.
Blue Corn Snake Care Sheet
For the good health of your blue snake, proper care is very important. Here’s a detailed care sheet to help you provide the best environment for your snake:
Housing
For a baby blue snake, a 20-gallon tank is required. As the blue corn snake grows, they need a 40-gallon or larger tank. Options include aspen bedding, cypress mulch, or paper towels. Avoid substrates like sand or gravel, as they can cause health issues and be difficult to clean.
Provide at least two hide spots in the enclosure; one is warm and the other is cold. They don’t require UVB lighting; providing a day/night cycle with regular room lighting or low-intensity bulbs is recommended to mimic their natural environment.
Temperature and humidity
Maintaining the right temperature is a very important thing for your blue corn snake’s health. The warm side of their enclosure should be kept at 85°F to 90°F, while the cool side should be 75°F to 80°F. Use an under-tank heater or heat lamp to provide heat.
Avoid placing heat sources directly on the enclosure floor to prevent burns. The humidity level in the enclosure should be kept between 40 and 60%. This humidity level is very important for the snake’s shedding process and overall health.
Feeding
They are carnivorous and primarily feed on rodents. Juvenile blue snakes fed pinky mice or fuzzy mice. While adult blue corn snakes fed adult mice or small rats, to avoid digestive issues, the size of the prey should be appropriate according to the snake’s size. Feed juvenile blue corn snakes every 5-7 days and adults every 7–10 days. Always provide fresh water in a shallow dish large enough for the snake to soak in if desired.
Shedding
Shedding is a natural and important part of a Blue Corn Snake’s life. Like all snakes, they shed their skin regularly to grow and stay healthy. Baby and juvenile Blue Corn Snakes shed more often, usually every 4 to 6 weeks. This is because they are growing rapidly. As they get older, they shed less frequently, about every 2 to 3 months, or even less depending on their size and health.
Signs of shedding: If a blue corn snake’s skin looks dull or cloudy, especially around the eyes, which may turn bluish or milky, then it’s a sign of shedding. Secondly, they might become less active or even hide more often during the time of shedding. If they refuse to eat, then it’s also a sign of shedding.
During the process of shedding, they rub their bodies against rough surfaces to help peel off the old skin. Once they shed their old skin, their new skin will be bright and clear. Providing the right level of humidity in the enclosure (around 50–70%) helps the snake shed easily.
Handling and Health Maintenance
They are generally tolerant of handling. Gently pick up your snake from the middle of its body and support it fully. Regular, gentle handling will help your snake become more accustomed to human interaction. It’s best to avoid handling your snake when it’s about to shed, as they can be more sensitive and stressed during this time.
Regularly check your snake for signs of health issues, such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, abnormal behaviour, difficulty breathing, parasites, swelling or lumps, and discharge from the mouth or nose. If you see any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should consult with a reptilian vet.
FAQ’s
What is the cost of a blue corn snake?
The price of baby blue snakes is between $50 and $100, while the adult blue snake’s price is $100 to $200. Their prices can vary based on factors such as age, colouration, an individual snake’s appearance, and breeder.
Are blue-corn snakes venomous?
No, they are non-venomous snakes. They are completely harmless to humans. They don’t have venom, so they can’t inject any toxins. If they do bite, it’s usually just a gentle nibble that’s not dangerous. They are safe to handle and are a great choice for pet owners who are concerned about venomous bites.
Where does the Blue Corn Snake live?
The Blue Corn Snake, like other corn snakes, is native to the southeastern United States. You can find them in the wild in various habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, scrublands, and farmlands. In captivity, they were kept in controlled environments that mimicked their natural habitat, including terrariums with proper temperature, humidity, and hiding spots to keep them comfortable and healthy.
Are blue corn snakes good pets for beginners?
Yes, Blue Corn Snakes are great pets for beginners! Here’s the reason:
- Friendly Nature: They are usually calm and gentle, making them easy to handle. They rarely bite, especially if they’re used to being handled.
- Easy to Care For: Blue Corn Snakes don’t need a lot of special equipment or complicated care. They thrive in a simple setting with the right temperature and humidity.
- Low maintenance: They don’t require daily care. You only need to feed them once a week and clean their enclosure regularly.
- Hardy and Resilient: They are generally healthy and adapt well to different environments, which is great for new snake owners.
- Beautiful Appearance: Their striking blue colour makes them visually appealing and interesting to watch.
Why do blue corn snakes shed?
- Growth: Snakes have skin that doesn’t stretch as they grow, so they need to shed it to make room for their larger body.
- Health: Shedding helps keep the snake’s skin clean and free of parasites or other issues that might be harmful.
Conclusion
The Blue Corn Snake is a true marvel of nature, combining stunning aesthetics with a calm and approachable temperament. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned snake enthusiast, this morph offers a unique and rewarding experience. Its manageable size, ease of care, and long lifespan make it a fantastic pet for anyone looking to add a touch of serene blue to their collection. They are not just a pet—they’re a living work of art that brings a sense of wonder and tranquillity to any space.
