ANERY TESSERA (Pantherophis guttatus guttatus)

ANERY TESSERA (Pantherophis guttatus guttatus)

Full Description

Here is a complete care guide for the Anery Tessera Corn Snake, a popular and visually striking morph of the Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus).

Anery Tessera Corn Snake Care Guide

(Pantherophis guttatus – Anerythristic Tessera Morph)

Overview

  • Common Name: Anery Tessera Corn Snake

  • Morph Type: Anerythristic (lacks red/yellow pigment) + Tessera (striped pattern)

  • Adult Size: 3.5–5 feet (106–152 cm)

  • Lifespan: 15–20+ years in captivity

  • Origin: Captive-bred morph (species native to North America)

  • Temperament: Docile, curious, great for beginners

  • Experience Level: Beginner-friendly

Enclosure Requirements

Snake Size Recommended Enclosure Size
Hatchling 10–20 gallon tank/tub
Juvenile 20–30 gallon equivalent
Adult 40 gallon or 36”x18”x18”

  • Enclosure Type: Secure glass tank, PVC enclosure, or plastic tub (with ventilation)

  • Substrate: Aspen shavings, ReptiChip, cypress mulch, or paper towels

  • Décor:

    • At least 2 hides (warm and cool sides)

    • Branches or cork bark for climbing

    • Leaf litter or décor for enrichment

    • Water bowl (large enough to soak in)

️ Temperature & Lighting

Zone Ideal Temperature
Warm Side 85–88°F (29–31°C)
Cool Side 72–75°F (22–24°C)
Night Temp 65–70°F (18–21°C)

  • Heat Source: Under-tank heater (UTH), heat mat, or heat tape with thermostat

  • Lighting: Not required but a 12-hour day/night cycle is ideal

  • UVB: Optional; low-level UVB (2.0–5.0) may benefit long-term health

Humidity & Water

  • Humidity Level: 40–60%

  • Water Bowl: Clean, fresh water at all times

  • Humidity Boosts:

    • Provide a moist hide with damp sphagnum moss during shedding

    • Light misting if needed in dry climates

️ Feeding Schedule

Age Frequency Prey Size
Hatchling Every 5–6 days Pinky mice
Juvenile Every 7–10 days Fuzzy to hopper mice
Adult Every 10–14 days Adult mice or small rats

  • Food Type: Frozen/thawed rodents (never feed live unless necessary)

  • Prey Size: About the same width as the snake’s widest part

  • Tips:

    • Use feeding tongs

    • Avoid handling for 24–48 hours after feeding

✋ Handling & Temperament

  • Disposition: Typically calm and easy to handle

  • Handling Tips:

    • Be gentle and confident

    • Support the snake’s full body

    • Limit sessions to 10–15 minutes for new or young snakes

  • Socialization: Regular handling helps reduce shyness

Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Spot Clean: Daily (remove waste, old food, shed skin)

  • Water Bowl: Clean and refill every 2–3 days

  • Full Clean: Every 3–4 weeks (replace substrate and disinfect enclosure)

⚠️ Important Reminders

  • Do not cohabitate corn snakes — they are solitary

  • Always ensure escape-proof housing — they’re great at squeezing out

  • Watch for signs of illness: wheezing, retained shed, mites, refusal to eat

  • Handle gently, especially during shedding or after feeding

✅ Supply Checklist

  • Secure 40-gallon+ enclosure

  • Heat mat or radiant heat panel (with thermostat)

  • Digital thermometer and hygrometer

  • 2+ hides (warm & cool sides)

  • Moist hide (for shedding)

  • Safe substrate

  • Feeding tongs

  • Frozen/thawed rodents

  • Water dish

  • Enclosure-safe disinfectant

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