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Old 05-13-2022, 07:42 PM   #1
SnakeSmithS
Are Motley/Stripe Hypo Morphs?

Most Motleys and Stripes I've seen lack any truly black coloration. Given that Motley/Stripe reduces black to such a degree in blotch borders and belly checkers, should it not be considered a hypomelanistic mutation? Kathy and Bill Love do touch on this topic briefly in their book, but I can't remember Motley/Stripe being included in the many conversations about "Hypo Type" genes I've seen elsewhere (print, online, convos with other breeders, etc...). Motley/Stripe changes both pattern and color, just like Sunkissed does pretty reliably, yet I have relatively consistently heard people include Sunkissed in the "Hypo Conversation". When I'm trying to dream up new genetic combos, I always essentially think about Motley/Stripe as a Hypo type. I'm curious how others think about this. Thanks!

Completely gratuitous photo of one of my favorite Motley gals (Aura: Golddust Motley)