>>I have noticed that IMHO retro males are alot harder to find than retro females. My hypothesis on that is that in nature females tend to stay put at or near the outcrop or area where they hatched, whereas males tend to roam. I think this may have led to color and pattern being more adaptable in males so that in captivity under selective breeding pressure males have changed more than females. In the milksnake phase this doesn't seem to be very noticable but in the leonis phase I have noticed that really truly classic looking females are alot easier to find than males.


I agree with your hypothesis Aaron.....interesting thinking....

I, too have one myself....
Most female mexicana (Ruthveni included) have more mottling than males. I've even seen this in Milk Snake Phase Thayeri......and Female Mex Mex are more drab and darker as well.
I think the females evolved to be more camouflage to protect the future populations they carry.
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John Lassiter
Poor planning and procrastination on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part...

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