Jungle x normal = approximately 50% jungles and 50% normals.



From my somewhat limited experience it is not too hard to tell the difference. The younger they are the harder it is to tell the difference because they are still in the baby grey stage. As they grow they begin to color up and reveal more and more of their adult appearance. Over time the very few that are possible jungles begin to become more apparent as to what they really are, or are not.



I think it is important to note that in my experience, it is very evident which ones do carry the jungle gene, regardless of the level of their aberrancies. I had a litter with quite a few of what have been coined as "low expression" jungles this year. Out of twenty babies I only had one that I was not sure of. One out of twenty, or 5% is not bad if you ask me.



“Low expression” typically refers to jungles that do not have an aberrant pattern. There is a lot more to jungles than just the striping. Aberrancies are part of it but there are also purple undertones, increased color, a pastel function, an overall creamy appearance, increased and sustained color with age, and other characteristics. In addition, there is a super form which looks like it has been air brushed and has the potential to have solid red eyes!!!



I think a lot of people are still a little fearful of purchasing a jungle that looks a lot like a regular boa or aberrant boa in a photo. It is much easier to immediately see the investment value in a motley. The boa either is a motley or is not. I know when I am spending a good chunk of change the pattern of a motley helps put me at ease with my investment. Hopefully I don’t offend anyone; I am only using the motley as an example.



If you are a color person, jungles are the way to go. They are like a bottle of fine wine or cheese that improves with age. I know some of them muddy up as they age, but if you know what to look for, you have a good chance at getting one that will maintain its color into adulthood. Don’t worry about the possible jungles, there are a lot of people that are willing to help you determine the difference.



Here are a few photos of "low expression" or limited aberrancy jungles.



Before the breeding season.





After giving birth.





"Low expression" offspring.

















A couple others.













Hope this helps,



Steve

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