I'm interested in hearing your opinion on Hypos.

By definition, a hypomelanistic snake has reduced melanin.

Look at corns, kings, milks, and pits and you will a variety of examples. Reduced amount of melanin and reduced intensity of melanin or in some cases, both. If you look at the belly of a hypo corn you will see belly checks that are grayish colored and fused with color. A very noticeable lack of the amount of melanin but a more obvious less intense / less pure black. If you look at one of the extreme hypo vanishing patterned hondurans you will see a very light grayish color but the amount of pattern is also reduced. Next, consider a T Positive / lavender albino cal king. The pattern that would normally be black is not reduced in size or amount but the color is a very distinct purple / lavender.

So why is it when breeders talk about Hypo Hogs that they look for lavender and if the snake does not have a lavender belly they say it is not a hypo? That seems contradictory to the same guidelines/characteristics we look for when viewing hypo corns, kings, and milks. It also seems contradictory when comparing to a lavender cal king which I have only seen referred to as Lavender Albino and never as a Hypo.

I tend to disagree with the lavender belly = hypo, no lavender, not a Hypo. My theory on this is that this started when Casey first introduced his hogs that had a lavender belly. He did state on his site that these may be another form of albino. The very best ones, of which there were only a few, were intense red with a lavender belly. There were many more that did not develop the red but did have the lavender belly. At least as I have been told and from what I have seen in the classifieds.

So, what is your opinion?

A hypo must have a lavender belly?

If you were offered a hog as a hypo and the dorsal was bright and obviously missing melanin and the belly had a reduced amount of melanin and it was muddy, brownish colored, and obviously not a pure rich black, would you accept it as a hypo?



Please do not turn this into something it is not. This is not directed at any breeder, specific line of hogs, or politically motivated to discredit any breeder or their work.

I think this is an interesting topic and would like to hear your opinion.

Thanks

John Q

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