There is no recognized set of symbols for ball pythons.

Ideally, each mutant has a unique name and a unique symbol based on the name. "A is for apple" is common in alphabet books. So, "a is for albino" can start your genetics symbols.

Recessive mutant symbols are lower case. Dominant and codominants have the first letter uppercase.

Examples of possible symbols for mutant genes:
a = albino (a recessive)
P = pastel (a codominant)
pi = piebald (a recessive)
Ps = pinstripe (a codominant, I think)

The plus character, either by itself of as a superscript, is the internationally recognized symbol for the wild type or normal gene at each location in the genome. Unfortunately, kingsnake.com filters out several seldom-used characters, including the plus.

a with plus for a superscript = the normal version of the albino mutant gene.
P with plus for a superscript = the normal version of the pastel mutant gene
pi with plus for a superscript = the normal version of the piebald mutant gene
Ps with plus for a superscript = the normal version of the pinstripe mutant gene

See the link below.

Paul Hollander


mouse and rat guidelines for genetic symbols

[ Hide Replies ]

• Genetic Codes... - oc-balls, Mon Aug 18 22:12:32 2008
• RE: Genetic Codes... - BrandonSander, Tue Aug 19 01:36:31 2008
• For instance... - oc-balls, Tue Aug 19 10:37:59 2008
• well... - JP, Tue Aug 19 11:43:21 2008
• RE: well... - exoticball, Tue Aug 19 11:57:51 2008
• This is what is confusing me... - oc-balls, Tue Aug 19 12:45:08 2008
• RE: This is what is confusing me... - toddbecker, Tue Aug 19 13:00:24 2008
• RE: This is what is confusing me... - toddbecker, Tue Aug 19 13:01:44 2008
• RE: This is what is confusing me... - oc-balls, Tue Aug 19 13:08:04 2008
• RE: For instance... - Paul Hollander, Tue Aug 19 17:30:20 2008
• RE: Genetic Codes... - littleleeper23, Tue Aug 19 06:28:18 2008
• RE: Genetic Codes... - PHLdyPayne, Tue Aug 19 17:23:34 2008
• Thank you everyone for all your help! - oc-balls, Tue Aug 19 19:35:55 2008