I agree with you that hogg island boas are a natural occuring form of hypomelanism. But I have a question that I figure you or someoen else that might read this can answer.

Since all hogg island boas have the natural occuring appearance of reduced black pigment (shown as one of the defining characteristics) Can they still be referred to as hypomelanistic in the dictionary definition? The reason I am unsure if this is an accurate term being used is this. If we are too refer to them as a natural occuring "hypo" then shouldn't we stop considering them as a subspecies/locality? If we do consider them a seperate subspecies/locality then wouldn't the normal base hogg island boa be lighter in coloration with reduced black pigment in its normal state rather then a hypomelanistic form of hogg island boa?

If we do still consider them as a natural occuring hypomelanistic animal what base animal are we comparing them to, to reach this decision? are we lumping all bci together to reach this? Or?

Not trying to start an arguement just thought it would be a good base of discussion, and I really do wonder about this off and on at different times. (this scenario can also be used on many other boa species such as Argentine boas which I have heard referred to argentines in general as "hypermelanistic"

I look forward to any and all opinions and thoughts on this.
Later
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Randall L Turner Jr.
www.aircapitalconstrictors.com
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