OMG what are those popping up?!

Originally Posted by ShenziSixaxis

Very interesting... cannot say I want one though, because of the inbreeding.

Here's a cool article about inbreeding at VMS Herp.

You can't establish a genetic mutation without inbreeding. That includes all the cornsnake color morphs. You inbreed or linebreed to establish the trait, and then outcross to improve vigor. It's common in many animals- dogs, horses, reptiles...

Originally Posted by Nanci

There are two of them, Eric!!

True. Hmmm. Yes. Quite puzzling. Although there being two, rules out a number of things. I was thinking more in the "bizarre" direction than in the "new morph" direction.

Originally Posted by Nanci

Here's a cool article about inbreeding at VMS Herp.

You can't establish a genetic mutation without inbreeding. That includes all the cornsnake color morphs. You inbreed or linebreed to establish the trait, and then outcross to improve vigor. It's common in many animals- dogs, horses, reptiles...

And yes, Nanci is right in her usual profound and succinct way. We wouldn't have the AKC, Eukanuba, or Westminster dog shows if linebreeding and inbreeding had not led to the standardization of so many dog breeds back in the 19th century.

I hope it's heritable. The pattern is exceptionally beautiful!

Originally Posted by ShenziSixaxis

Very interesting... cannot say I want one though, because of the inbreeding.

I think you will have a very difficult time finding new pets in this hobby, if you're trying to (for whatever reason) abstain from inbred animals.

WOW, AWESOME.

I am willing to bet that this is genetic and will be proven out in 3 or so years time.

I also have another daughter, I plan to breed her to her father too next year anyway, and she is amelanistic :drool:

About the pattern: I think most corns are like that beneath their scales, look at the scaleless corns, they all have perfect circular blotches as far as I can see from pics. The scales usaully mess up the edges though.

I think we need Robbie to go take macro pics of the scales! Have you noticed how they vary in size?

They are tiniest on the sides of the neck, and somehwat larger along the spine. but I think that's with all corns, right?

What I mean is there are tiny scales mixed in with the "regular-sized" (for these animals) scales, together!