Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was told some months ago that folks were having difficulty developing these color morphs. Is that really the case? Are these colors more prone to failure than normals? I want white-side's so badly but would sure appreciate some opinions from the breeders on this forum.

at this point in time I do not know that there is a problem with producing either trait. For a while there was a reported problem with fertility in the Llemke axanthic line. However, at this point I don't think you should any trouble accessing quality axanthics at a reasonable price.
as far as the white sides, I do not know for sure who originated the morph, the story I heard is that it emerged from (of all things) a pair of Llemke axanthics. I have seen at least four breeders ( and one with hatchlings already) advertise in KS classifieds, so I don't think there is a fertility problem there either.
getting a white sided axanthic is probably more difficult. assuming that white sided is a simple recessive trait( as is axanthism), you would have to cross the two traits and then cross the double heterozygous offspring. the probability of producing a WS axanthic is 1 in 16.
I would also LOVE some white sides to mix in with my reds,axanthics,hypos, ghosts,etc, but as with any new trait I am cautious. I (and others) have bred this line of axanthics for seasons and get axanthics, period. something like this appearing in a common (often inbred)line should appear more than once, I think- and not necessarily in MY colony! I would like to know where the trait started, see the parents,know their origin, see the results of the breeding and results of parent to offspring breeding, etc. if the trait or experiment is not reproducible elsewhere it is not science, so to speak.
THIS IS NOT a slam against anyone breeding these snakes, I ask these sorts of questions every time I consider putting down more than $20 on an animal purchase, not to mention $500 or more. As soon as these questions are answered to my satisfaction I am next in line to whoever will take my money.

so, can anyone out there fill in the blanks on the white sided brooks king?

thank you,
dave b

PS-this crosspost is of a clutch of six Louisiana pinesnake eggs laid 6/16 (from animals with paperwork I can trace back to their origin!!!lol) -makes me a humble happy grandpa of sorts.

The Lemke line came from a Lemke axanthic male and Lemke female.

The Lemke axantic was purchased directly from Lloyd Lemke by Henry Dean. He gave it to Brent Green who wanted to sell it to me. I was supposed to pickup at the Dixie show but was running late. Tim Ricks was at Brent Greens table when I arrived late at the show and he had just purchased the axanthic for $100. from Brent. Tim came back to me a couple years later and asked "remember that axanthic that I bought from Brent ..here is what it produced" and he showed me a pic of the first whitesided brooksi.

Rainer

..... set your watch 30 minutes fast!
:Mark

NOT