Albino Corn Snake (Amelanistic): Care & Price [2026]

What Is an Albino Corn Snake?

The albino corn snake — properly called amelanistic or "amel" — is one of the earliest and most popular corn snake morphs. Amelanistic corn snakes lack melanin, the dark pigment responsible for black and brown coloring. Without melanin, their natural red, orange, and yellow pigments show through vividly against a white or cream background.

The amelanistic mutation was one of the first corn snake morphs identified in the wild and has been bred in captivity since the 1960s. It remains one of the most common and affordable morphs available today.

Appearance

Amelanistic corn snakes display vibrant warm colors without any black or dark brown:

• Body color: Bright red, orange, or yellow saddle markings on a white, cream, or light orange background
• Eyes: Pink to ruby red with visible blood vessels (a hallmark of the amelanistic trait)
• Belly: White with no dark checkering (normal corn snakes have black and white checkerboard bellies)
• Pattern: Same saddle pattern as normal corn snakes, but rendered entirely in warm tones
• Size: Normal corn snake size — 3-5 feet as adults

Color intensity varies among individuals. Some amelanistic corn snakes are brilliantly red-orange, while others lean more toward pale yellow or pinkish tones depending on their specific lineage.

Genetics

The amelanistic gene is simple recessive, making it one of the most straightforward morphs to breed:

• Amel x Amel = 100% amelanistic offspring
• Amel x Normal = 100% normal-looking offspring (all het for amelanistic)
• Het Amel x Het Amel = 25% amelanistic, 50% het amelanistic, 25% normal
• Amel x Het Amel = 50% amelanistic, 50% het amelanistic

The amelanistic gene is the foundation for many popular combination morphs. When combined with other recessive genes, it produces entirely new-looking snakes.

Popular Amelanistic Combination Morphs

The amelanistic gene combines with other morphs to create some of the most popular corn snake varieties:

Pricing and Availability

Amelanistic corn snakes are among the most affordable morphs due to their long breeding history and widespread availability:

• Hatchlings: $30-$75
• Yearlings: $50-$100
• Adults: $75-$125
• High-color or line-bred specimens: $100-$200

They are readily available from breeders, reptile expos, and pet stores. Due to their popularity, finding an amelanistic corn snake is rarely difficult.

Care Requirements

Amelanistic corn snakes have identical care requirements to normal corn snakes:

• Enclosure: 40-gallon breeder tank for adults (minimum 36 x 18 inches)
• Temperature: 85F warm side, 75F cool side, with an under-tank heater or heat panel
• Substrate: Aspen shavings, coconut fiber, or paper-based bedding
• Humidity: 40-60%
• Diet: Appropriately sized mice every 7-14 days depending on age
• Hides: At least two — one on the warm side and one on the cool side
• Lifespan: 15-20+ years in captivity

The only minor consideration is their light-sensitive eyes. While not a significant issue, providing adequate hides ensures they can retreat from bright light when they choose to. Avoid placing the enclosure in direct sunlight.

Why Amelanistic Corn Snakes Are a Great Choice

The amelanistic corn snake combines visual appeal with beginner-friendly care. Its bright red and orange coloring makes it one of the most eye-catching snakes available, while its docile temperament and simple care requirements make it suitable for first-time snake owners. As a foundation morph for many combinations, it also offers breeders endless possibilities for creating new and exciting color variants.