Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can anyone tell me the story on these? Are the babies normally born black and white? Do they stay black and white? Are there many of these around? What is their temperament?......Thanks in advance

They're around-but not common. They are born tricolored, but gradually lose most red pigment over the first year. The best examples also lose much of the white as well.

Here's a pic that shows one of my females along with a normal tricolor....

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Brad Chambers
WWW.HCU-TX.ORG

The Avalanche has already started-it is too late for the pebbles to vote....

That is one SWEET Tri Color
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Brent Bumgardner
bwbumgardner@aol.com
703.431.1776
Superconda Website

>>Can anyone tell me the story on these? Are the babies normally born black and white? Do they stay black and white? Are there many of these around? What is their temperament?......Thanks in advance

I assume that you are referring to the Bi-Color South American Hognose which should be of the Lystrophis Pulcher family. If so, these are of the same family of your typical Tri-Color South American hognose. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be much information regarding their genetics about the separation of Bi-Colors and Tri-Colors. There are some hypotheses that this is not a heritable genetic trait while others claim it is. But whether it is or not has not been proven out.

Their temperaments should be pretty much like your typical L. Pulchers, they can tend to be nervous and secretive. However, only my Tri-Color adults exhibit these traits, my Bi-Colors are a lot more inquisitive and a bit more assertive. But I believe that to be the exception and not the rule. I handle my Bi-Colors far more than I do my Tri's which usually has a lot to do with their overall temperament as well. But I don't handle my Tri's as frequently mainly because they are so flighty and nervous.

While there does not seem to be that many out there, they do pop up on occassion as I bought 2 pairs from independent sellers. Unfortunately one of my females died, so now I just have the trio.

As far as the coloration goes, even my most pronounced black and white specimen does exhibit a very minor amount of red. This is probably due to them being born as Tri-Colors upon which over a course of sheds will gradually lose their red coloring. But I can still find even the smallest trace of red even if it is less than 1% on their body which is usually near the jaw/neck or cloaca.

Considering I have posted a bit of info on breeding mine elsewhere, I'll simply post those links as well:
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58614
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76996
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80946

I hope this information is helpful.
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Troy Rexroth
Rextiles

Thanks for all the info guys.....would pairs be in the 350 range for babies?