You both have great points.......AND I have to AGREE. More breeding trials are needed.
I also agree with Dave that Copper and Kastanie are totally different. You probably need to have them side by side to note the difference. Similar color....probably, but the degree of saturation is different.
Copper Yearling - from a Copper to Copper breeding...
Kastanie Yearling......
As far as Kastanie and Java......next year I will put my pair together and I believe Don will be doing the same thing.
The difficult part is when Mandarin (Amel Kastanie), Tangerine (Amel Java) and Amel Sunrise are in the equation. A few variables eg., depigmentation as they mature and color saturation. I still think Amel Sunrise and Mandarin are different but this is solely on the degree of phenotypic variation. Deeper coloration and depigmentation in the Amel Sunrise when compare to Mandarin.
Here is a picture of a Tangerine Stripe (Amel Java). If you look at the snake the degree of depigmentation is remarkably similar to what you will see in an Amel Sunrise. I hope to find out by breeding trails.
As far as Mahogany and Kastanie.......they do look similar in every aspect of it. Hope Steve Roylance and the other Gurus find out.
Looking forward to seeing other members to JOIN and elaborate on this lovely and rewarding KastacojamanTaniBell mess.....
I am not an expert on this matter but I am more than happy to learn from others....
I am just a Kastanie freak