Or for all leucistics for that matter. I know why albinos have pink eyes but I don't see what physically causes the dark eyes of leucistics. Some enlightenment would be greatly appreciated.
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Why are the eyes of a leucistic texas rat snake blackish-blue?
rich_123
Sep 07, 2003 12:36 PM
Replies (1)
patricia sherman
Sep 10, 2003 01:50 AM
The gene that governs amelanism (aka: albinism), prevents the animal from synthesizing melanin (black pigment), and affects the entire body - including eyes.
The gene governing leucism, only affects the skin (actually only specific skin cells, called iridophores). The animal is actually producing all the pigments that a normal animal does, but the iridophores are incapable of synthesizing the colours. If you look closely at a leucistic snake, you'll notice occasional coloured scales on its body. Such scales are most often black, but can be other colours.
There are also some leucistics that are also amelanistic. These are called "pink-eyed" leucistics.
>>Or for all leucistics for that matter. I know why albinos have pink eyes but I don't see what physically causes the dark eyes of leucistics. Some enlightenment would be greatly appreciated.
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tricia
