It seems not many people want to discuss the topic, but the one of two responses I got over there, this was the most detailed response.

Jeff Benfer Quote
"Part of the reason it is quiet, is that is a common question...for good reason, it is confusing, with the terms appearing to be used randomly or interchangably. Without knowing exactly what biochemical pathway and what chromophores specifically that a particular mutation is effecting, since there are many, many different ways to get the same visual end result, it is a bit of a guessing game based on what is visually seen of the mutant phenotype with reference to the wild type, with reference to the wild type being the key. Erythristic usually refers by definition more to reds, Xanthic to yellows. It seems that generally the refence of the wild type is what dictates the decision as to which term is used, i.e. corn snakes- wild types are mostly red-orange, hence the lack of predominant red results in calling anery, balls reds and yellow, wild types being mostly yellows and browns, leaning on mainly yellow being taken away, so hence called axanthic. If you look at the base colors of the wild type of most if not all snakes in question, the naming of the mutations are in line with what I have just written. How much pigment remains in a particular snow is probably more to do with the resulting visual effect of how much "pigment depletion power" the particular axanthic or anerythristic matation has, which is dependant on the "what and where" its effect is on a particular pathway or set of pathways. Just as you see differing "power" in the different BELs. This is just my personal educated view as a molecular biologist and reptile keeper, I am by no means claiming to be the "know it all" on the subject or even one of "seasoned herptoculturist" so I could be wrong, however some mornings when I try to get out of bed lately I feel quite "seasoned"
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Executive Reptiles
Amanda Kingsbury & David Kendrick
www.executivereptiles.com

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