Anerythristic Corn Snake

Looks how to spot one

Scales

The anerythristic corn snake has the same slender, muscular body and smooth, weakly keeled scales as the normal corn snake. Its pattern of saddles and blotches is also the same, but the red and orange pigments are missing, leaving a monochrome look of greys, silvers, and black.32

Personality what they are like

Corn snakes are generally calm and easy to handle, and the anerythristic morph does not change that. They may strike or bite in self-defence if frightened, but they are not aggressive by nature.23

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Corn snakes are active explorers and benefit from a secure enclosure with branches, hides, and a temperature gradient so they can move between warm and cool areas.43

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Care is identical to that of a normal corn snake. They need a clean enclosure, fresh water, and regular shedding. No special grooming is required beyond maintaining proper humidity for healthy sheds.3

Home where they are happiest

Provide a warm retreat for digestion and a cooler retreat for resting, with a thermal gradient. A secure lid is essential as corn snakes are escape artists. They are not venomous and are legal to keep in most places, but check local regulations as they have been introduced to some regions where they may be considered invasive.42

Food basics what goes in the bowl

In captivity, they typically eat appropriately sized mice. Hatchlings start with pinky mice, and adults take larger mice. Feed after they have settled into their enclosure.4

Company who they like around

Corn snakes are solitary and do not need company. They are not venomous, but they may bite in self-defence. They are not protected or illegal to keep in most countries, but check local laws as they have been introduced to some areas where they may be regulated.23

The story where it all began

The anerythristic corn snake is a colour variety of the common corn snake, Pantherophis guttatus. The mutation removes the red and orange pigments, leaving a grey and black snake. It was first produced in captivity in 1975, and natural anerythristic populations exist in southern Florida. The mutation is inherited as a simple recessive trait, meaning a snake needs two copies of the gene to show the colour. This variety has become popular in the pet trade because of its striking monochrome look, while its care needs remain the same as for normal corn snakes.123

Recognised by the official bits

MorphMarket Morphpedia

Anerythristic corn snakes lack erythrin, the pigment that produces red and orange colors.1