Hmmmm, interesting question indeed!



It seems to me that there are many variations in the definitions of what makes a leucisitic. Personally, I am of the opinion that leucisitics don't have to be solid white with blue/black eyes. Perfect example would be in comparing patternless(originally called leucisitic) and Blizzard's (true leucisitic)leopard geckos.



As far as your question, in my humble OPINION, leucism is both a color and pattern mutation. My reasons for thinking this is that an animal showing any degree of this mutant phenotype would have a different "pattern" and all animals affected display a change in color at some point on them, if not completely.



Also, you stated that an animal that looks leucisitic but is just a combination of mutant genes (not counting the leucisitic mutant gene) would indeed have the phenotype(look)of a leucisitic, but the genotype would not be leucisitic.



Don't really have alot of time, but got some good links below, and I think you will be surprised at the definitions presented.



Lastly just wanted to say, that in doing this research, I found it very odd that the incidence of leucism was much higher in reptiles and in birds, less so in the other higher life forms. Very interesting indeed, maybe further proof of the evolutionary link between reptiles and avians!



Later,

Dan



Links:

www.compusmart.ab.ca/kbush/albinism.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucism

http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/wildlife/index.php?subject=Birds: General Info&id=34

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