Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was never able to figure out what the difference between these two phases. I know one used to be classified as a different subspecies, then combined together, but I still don't know how they differ in pattern or anything else...?

As I understand it, "gloydi" (dusty) do in fact have a more washed (dusty) appearance (as well as a slightly lower band count). There is some taxonomical debate, but from what I've gathered, from a natural history standpoint, gloydi are the eastern representatives of the species. Their current distribution is very limited, and those populations seem to have lost gene flow with the plains subspecies. Shane

Thanks for your help. It would actually be great if there are two clear pictures of the dusty phase and the normal phase to compare and visualize vs descriptions. =)

Yeah, pictures of wild populations don't fit well into the world of herpetoculture. Basically, the animal you speak of is a lost cause. If you see anyone offering "Dusty/Dusky" hognoses, they have about as much of a clue as yourself. Shane

Heh, thanks for the tip. I've seen some 'dusty' offered a bit more pricey than a normal so I guess I'll be more cautious about it now.

Yeah, I'd be cautious about anyone offering "gloydi" as a more expensive subspecies. As a general rule, I don't think hognose breeders are concerned with locality. There are some obvious differences between the Mexican subspecies and the Plains subspecies, but the subspecific status of Dusty hogs is questionable. Apparently, there is enough geographic variation within the Plains subspecies to render "gloydi" invalid. I wish I had some pics to show you the "classic" difference, but you can probably find the band count variation by looking at various generic nasicus pics on this forum. Shane