These are a pair of T+ Albino Radiated Ratsnakes, Coelognathus radiatus. There are two types of Albinism in Radiated Ratsnakes, T+ and T- , breeding one of each mutation to each other produces normal looking hatchlings that are het for both T+ & T- Albino. Both forms of Albino are also known in the Black Ratsnake as well as other non colubrid species like the Ball Python ... I think they market there T+'s as Caramel Albino ? ... which really does describe there colours and those of the Radiated really well.
" In the T+ form of albino, tyrosinase is produced but is blocked from gaining access into the melanophores. Simply put, all the parts are there - they just can't mix. However, in most specimens there is a certain amount of 'mixing' that occurs by cells disrupting or possibly by osmotic transfer. The exact method is unclear, and may vary. What is clear is that T+ albinos are generally darker than their counterparts, often containing traces of melanin deposits that result in a slightly darker look than the T- albinos of the same specie. Often red coloration is particularly prominent and many times the eyes are dramatically darker than expected. " ... http://www.vmsherp.com/LCChromatophores.htm
Close up of the Scales showing the three pattern / colouration and the keeling of the scales along the mid dorsal line. (Same snake)
Gravid Female ... looking fit to burst .. they were introduced on the 13.03.07 and seperated on the 25.03.07. This species can have upto 6 clutches a year .. last year she had 3
Female .. Note how dark the eyes are for an Albino
Female Again
Male he's alot more orange than the female
Male Again
Thanks for looking
Sue x
