unchikin asked this on my thread about 'sperm retention'...
i've read before that redfoots from different locales can differ in size and coloration.
i'm curious -- in general, can you say what the traits are for different populations?
Of all of the long-term breeders and keepers that I know.. we all agree that color is variable among the three main "regions" that redfoots are found [ no color is "exclusive" ] - North of the Amazon - Brazil - South [of Brazil?].
THERE ARE ALWAYS EXCEPTIONS AND EXTREMES!!!! SO WE ARE SPEAKING IN BROAD GENERALITIES
Brazil - ( aka Cherryhead ) 10"-12" SCL .. marbled PLASTRON.. marbled carapace ( 1-3 yr. olds only? ).. BIG nose.. dull red, pink, peach, peach-orange and scarlet red colors on head and legs.
Northern - 12"-16" SCL .. no marbled plastron.. dull yellow, bright-yellow, orange and red-orange on head and legs. Adult males have distinct 'waist-line'.
Southern - 18 " SCL .. SOLID black plastron.. NO 'waist-line' in adult males.. brilliant orange covering head is not uncommon. These are considered the "GIANT" redfoots.
The so-called "Cherryhead" redfoot is often thought a different species/subspecies! I know of no "DNA" research that has proven otherwise.. and a breeder friend of mine claims that he doubts anyone knows what to look for in the first place! I have noticed that the older the Brazilian get the more the colors seem to fade.. whereas my 14" SCL Guyana female ( 20 years old? ) is still as colorful as her 4 year old babies! [ I'll see if I can figure out how to post a pic ]
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Terry E. Kilgore
Turtletary.com
