Those black lace are the most beautiful ball pythons I've ever seen, in the flesh or in pictures!

Unfortunately, it has not been PROVEN to be a recessive mutant. That is the most likely explanation, but there is at least one other. For example, it is possible that the black lace mutant is some kind of dominant, and the mutation occurred in the old female's ovaries rather than in one of her forebears.

To really prove it is a recessive mutant gene, black lace x normal matings must produce only normal-looking babies. And normal-looking babies from the old female need to be bred together and produce some black laces among the babies.

Sorry to rain on the parade. Dominant or recessive, it's right at the top of my list to get someday.

Paul Hollander

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