Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recenly did some web surfing, and came upon a "milksnake dot something" website with a photo of an incredible albino Nelsoni. The animal was phenotypically similar to hundreds of others I've seen with one differnce... The red was super bright, and the difference was quite noticeable.

Does the gene for this trait only show up very infrequently, or are these particular strains of albino Nelsoni being bred by some hobbyists or breeders? I don't know if it's O.K. to give a link to the website, so I'll refrain from doing so.

When I think I've seen everything, there's always something spectacular that catches my eye.

Thanks!

Dan

Hey Dan,

I really don't know the answer to your question. Honestly I suspect it has to do with the way the animal was photographed with the lighting used, etc.

Here's one I produced in 2008 that always surprises me when I pull him out. He is really bright but you may not really think anything of it from this photo.

Dave

Your 2008 is perfect in every respect, and I've had mostly albino nelsoni, initially purchasing a pair from Terry Dunham in 2001. If yours is exceptionally bright, I hope you were bright in holding him back! lol

The animal in question went for $750, so I hope he really sood out from the clutch...

Thanks, Dave

Dan

Yes, while it's certainly true that some tend to be brighter, and more vivid than others, as Dave mentioned, the different lighting conditions(s), and different types of light used can have a HUGE impact on the way a photo looks to the eye. Also the different settings the camera is set for plays a major roll in this as well. I have messed with all this stuff zillions of times, and as most people know, the same snake many times won't even look like the same animal when different situations are used.

Another thing I have seen done numerous times, is someone will "doctor-up"(enhance) photo's they display on their web sites. I've seen some that where so ridiculously enhanced that the loud vivid color was actually glowing off PAST the body of the snake itself..LOL!.

This is always something to keep in mind when thinking of buying a snake. Often times what you "think" you see, isn't always what you will get. Many people have experienced this very thing first-hand.

~Doug
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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

Thanks a lot for your reply, Doug.

Dan

P.S. Do feel free to post more photos of your favorite honduran anytime.! Incredible animal, and tame as a puppy dog to boot...

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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"