Tessera Corn Snake: Care, Morph Variations, Breeding, & Buying Guide

Marie curie

Tessera corn snake

Have you ever seen a corn snake with such perfectly mesmerizing patterns that it feels almost unreal?

The Tessera Corn Snake morph is renowned for its striking linear patterns that look like an artist’s meticulously designed them.

Are you curious about what makes this morph so special and easy to care for? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Tessera Corn Snakes!

Tessera Corn Snake History & Genetics 

The Tessera Corn Snake is a relatively recent addition to the corn snake world, discovered in the early 2000s.

This morph originated from a wild-caught corn snake with an unusually striking pattern, which led breeders to work with its genetics to produce the Tessera line.

Genetically, Tessera is a dominant morph, meaning its iconic linear stripes and intricate side patterns pass down easily to offspring.

If a Tessera Corn Snake is bred with a normal (non-Tessera) Corn Snake, approximately 50% of the offspring are expected to inherit the Tessera pattern.

Its unique appearance makes it one of the most popular corn snake morphs, adding an almost artistic touch to their usually spotted scales.

Tessera Corn Snake Traits

Appearance

  • Body Color: The Tessera Corn Snake has an intricate, striking pattern with a distinct dorsal stripe running down its back. The colours can range from orange, red, and brown to even darker shades, giving it a mosaic-like appearance.
  • Shape, Eyes & Belly: Its body is sleek and muscular, with deep red or brown eyes that add intensity to its gaze. The belly is patterned with a checkered black-and-white design, typical of corn snakes.
  • Head Shape and Tail: The head is well-defined, and the unique stripe pattern extends down into the tail, giving it a continuous and symmetrical appearance.
  • Speed: They are agile and move with graceful fluidity. They can be quick when startled but generally prefer to explore at a steady pace.
Tessera Corn Snake

Tessera Corn Snake Size & Weight

  • Size: Adult Tessera Corn Snakes grow to around 4-5 feet in length.
  • Weight: They weigh between 1-2 pounds, depending on their diet and activity level.

Behaviour and Temperament

  •  These Corn Snakes are friendly and calm, making them a good choice for both beginners and experienced snake keepers.
  • They tolerate handling very well and are known for their relaxed nature.
  • This snake enjoys climbing and exploring its environment. It’s active in the mornings and evenings, often found searching for food or exploring its enclosure.

Tessera Corn Snake Lifespan

They can live up to 20 years when given proper care.

Tessera Corn Snake Cost

  • Hatchlings: Tessera Corn Snake hatchlings are typically priced between $100 and $200, depending on their unique coloration and pattern.
  • Adults: Adult Tessera Corn Snakes can cost between $200 and $350.
  • Julien (Premium Specimens): High-quality Tessera Corn Snakes with particularly striking patterns can cost up to $500.
  • Where to Buy: The best sources for purchasing them are experienced breeders, reptile expos, and reliable online platforms like MorphMarket, where health and quality are guaranteed.

Tessera Corn Snake Breeding & Reproduction

  1. Selecting Breeding Pair

Choose a healthy male and female Tessera Corn Snake with distinct Tessera striping. Ensuring both snakes are genetically strong helps produce vibrant and healthy offspring.

  1. Age and Weight for Breeding

The female should be at least 3 years old and weigh around 300-350 grams, while males can be ready at about 2 years. This ensures both snakes are mature enough for safe breeding.

  1. Cooling Period (Brumation)

To encourage breeding, gradually lower the temperatures to around 55-65°F for about 8-10 weeks. This cooling period mimics winter conditions, signaling the breeding season.

  1. Reintroduction and Pairing

After the cooling period, slowly raise temperatures back to normal, and introduce the male to the female’s enclosure. The male often begins to court by flicking his tongue and gently nudging the female.

  1. Mating Behavior

If the female is receptive, she will allow the male to align his body with hers. Mating can last several hours, and it may take a few attempts for successful fertilization.

  1. Post-Mating Care

After successful mating, the female will start feeding heavily to prepare for egg development. Providing a protein-rich diet during this period is essential.

  1. Egg Laying

Approximately 4-6 weeks after mating, the female will lay 10-20 eggs in a suitable laying box filled with damp moss or vermiculite. She prefers a warm, secluded space for this process.

  1. Incubation

Carefully remove the eggs and place them in an incubator set to around 80-82°F. Humidity should be kept around 80%. The eggs will incubate for 55-60 days before hatching.

  1. Hatching

Hatchlings will emerge by cutting their way out of the eggs with an egg tooth. Once hatched, they should be housed individually to avoid any competition or stress.

Top 6 Famous Tessera Corn Snake Morph Combinations

  • Amel Tessera: Bright red and orange colors without black pigment, with a neat Tessera stripe.
  • Tessera Ghost: Soft grey with pink undertones, combining Ghost morph’s pastel tones with Tessera pattern.
  • Tessera Butter: Rich yellow with cream hues, featuring a bold dorsal stripe.
  • Tessera Bloodred: Deep red colouration with minimal markings, highlighted by the distinct Tessera stripe.
  • Tessera Snow: White and pale pink colours, giving a frosty look combined with Tessera striping.
  • Tessera Lavender: Light lavender colour with the classic Tessera stripe, creating a unique look.

Also See, Albino Corn Snake: Care, Pricing, and Expert Breeding Guide

Tessera Corn Snake Care Sheet

1. Enclosure Requirements

  • Tank Size:
  • Hatchlings: A cozy 10-20 gallon tank is suitable, providing them with a secure environment.
  • Juveniles: A 20-30 gallon tank is recommended as they grow and become more active.
  • Adults: At least a 40-gallon tank is necessary for adults, allowing ample space for movement and exploration.
  • Substrate:
  • Aspen Bedding: Ideal for burrowing and easy to clean, though it can be dusty.
  • Cypress Mulch: Excellent for retaining humidity, making it perfect for shedding periods.
  • Paper Towels/Newspaper: Simple to clean and maintain, though it lacks a natural aesthetic.
  • Avoid Pine or cedar shavings, as they contain harmful oils that can be detrimental to your Tessera.

2. Hides and Climbing Opportunities

  • Hides: Provide at least two hides—one on the warm side and one on the cool side. This setup helps your Tessera Corn Snake feel secure and reduces stress, promoting overall well-being.
  • Climbing Opportunities: While Tessera Corn Snakes are primarily terrestrial, they can benefit from branches or climbing decor for enrichment. Adding these elements can create a more stimulating environment.

3. Humidity and Temperature

  • Humidity: Ideal humidity levels are generally around 40-60%. Use a humidity gauge to monitor levels, and maintain them by misting or providing a humidity box.
  • Temperature:
  • Basking Spot: Maintain temperatures between 80-85°F to assist with digestion and general health.
  • Cool Side: Keep the cool side at 70-75°F for proper thermoregulation. Use heat mats or lamps with thermostats for consistent temperatures.

4. Lighting

  • Lighting: UVB lighting is not essential for them. A heat source, such as a ceramic heat emitter or heat lamp, is sufficient for maintaining the proper temperature in their habitat.

5. Feeding

  • Diet: They primarily eat appropriately sized mice or rats, which should be selected based on their age and size.
  • Feeding Schedule:
  • Hatchlings/Juveniles: Feed every 5-7 days to support their rapid growth.
  • Adults: Feed every 10-14 days, as they require larger meals but eat less frequently.
  • Live vs. Frozen-Thawed:
  • Frozen-Thawed: This option is safer and more convenient, reducing the risk of injury associated with live prey.
  • Live Prey: Can be offered, but always supervise carefully to avoid injury to your Tessera.

6. Water

  • Water Bowl: Provide a water bowl large enough for soaking. Ensure it is shallow enough to prevent drowning risks.
  • Hydration: Keep clean, fresh water available at all times, changing it daily to prevent contamination.

7. Handling

  • Frequency: Young Tessera Corn Snakes can be handled every few days to help them acclimate to human interaction. Adults can be handled 1-2 times a week.
  • Gentle Handling: Always support the snake’s body when handling to minimize stress and prevent any potential injury.

8. Shedding

  • Shedding Signs: Recognize signs of shedding, such as cloudy eyes and dull skin. These indicate that your Tessera is preparing to shed.
  • Humidity During Shedding: Increase humidity slightly (up to 65-70%) during shedding periods to facilitate a smooth and successful shed.
  • Problems with Shedding: If the shed does not come off completely, soak your Tessera in lukewarm water for 15-20 minutes and gently assist in removing any remaining skin.

9. Health & Common Issues

  • Signs of Illness: Monitor for symptoms like wheezing, mouth gaping, excessive mucus, lethargy, and abnormal shedding patterns. Early detection is key to addressing health issues.
  • Veterinary Care: Regular veterinary checkups are crucial, especially if any signs of illness appear. It’s better to be proactive about your Tessera’s health.

10. Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Spot Cleaning: Remove waste and uneaten food daily to maintain a clean and healthy environment for your Tessera Corn Snake.
  • Deep Cleaning: Fully clean and sanitize the tank about once a month, replacing substrate and disinfecting decor to keep their habitat in top condition.
  • Safe Cleaning Products: Use reptile-safe cleaning agents and avoid household cleaners that may contain harmful chemicals, ensuring a safe environment for your Tessera.

Conclusion

Tessera Corn Snakes are a true marvel in the realm of reptile enthusiasts, known for their beautiful striping and diverse morph combinations.

With their elegant patterns and friendly nature, they make excellent pets and eye-catching displays.

The Tessera gene adds a layer of intrigue to any collection, showcasing the endless possibilities that exist within the world of corn snake morphs.

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