Terry,



I'm thinking I'm agreeing with you more and more on the disposition of the Blues. While the info I presented from the EMBL site indicates that it still isn't a described species, at the same time I don't necessarily buy that it is an intergrade between mocquardi and yunanensis. As Conrad pointed out both of those species do have more yellow in them. I also don't think you can mistake a Blue baby for any other species. Even as babies they are way more blue than any other species.



It still seems really odd that Schulz didn't take into account the coloration difference and assign them their own species designation. Of course it could be a case similar to California Kingsnakes where a single litter can exhibit striped, solid, and banded individuals - the point being that there is something weird going on there in terms of the expression of the gene controlling pattern and color. In the Blues, who knows - perhaps there is simply a color variation of a locality nature related to habitat choice.



Maybe they like dark areas in lots of shade to hang out in. Of course we're all just speculating here - we need someone to go to Vietnam and observe these animals in their natural environment! Any takers? Maybe I can get my zoo to finance sending me there! Well, at least the price on Blues has come down enough that we can all easily acquire plenty of stock to breed and experiment with.
-----
Matt Campbell

Animal Keeper, Small Mammal/Reptile House

Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago, Illinois



Assistant Curator

Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm

Lake Forest, Illinois

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