Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know this a Corn Forum, but I have a question about Cal Kings. What would you call a cal king that lacks all white and all black and all yellow? It is ONLY dark brown and light brown. Some sort of melanism..... They are Mendota Cal Kings that is recessive ...normal Mendotas are banded with normal cal king colors black/brown with cream/white/ bands. I have referred to this morph as Mendota Cal Kings, but that is not accurate as I have wild-caught Mendotas that are normal looking. I would like to refer them as a genetic term, especially since I bred them to an Albino High White this year as well as other combos and will also breed them next year to other recessive genes. Thanks in advance, so where are the genetic wizards that can tell me what to call these cal kings

Kerby...

Kerby...

Kerby...

The general rule of thumb is to give it a name that is more or less descriptive of the appearance.

From the description and pictures, I don't think there is an increase in melanin pigment and there may be a decrease from normal. So I wouldn't go for some variation on "melanistic". I can't think of a good term meaning "no white". "Brown" might be a possibility but has no sex appeal.

I've been trying to think of something with light brown threading between dark brown areas. You might check some rock hound or lapidary groups to see if there is a rock that looks something like that. I was thinking "brown agate", but there is probably something more appropriate. Or there might be some sort of ice cream that is similar. "Peanut butter fudge" might work, or you may find something you like better. Good luck.

Paul Hollander

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If you've proven it is a reproducable trait, Patternless Hypomelanistic might fit as good as anything.