further,i remember hearing that the commonly seen leucistic texas rats are true leucistics;as opposed to say,leucistic fla. pines,which i was told are the result of mixing patternless with hypo and axanthic,and something else(maybe anerythristic?),to ultimately get a plain snow white snake with dark eyes...but not a true leucistic like the linderheimerii(sp.)...any help/thoughts?
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is leucism(leucistism?) a pattern anamoly or pigment anamoly?or both?
justinian2120
Dec 16, 2005 11:32 PM
Replies (2)
justinian2120
Dec 16, 2005 11:37 PM
btw this explanation of the origin of the 'leucistic' mugitus seems suspect to me as this would likely lead to far more morphs/traits seen around than there currently are...maybe i should have just asked if anyone knew of the roots/origin of leucistic mugitus,lol.thanks
mahlon
Jan 21, 2006 08:59 PM
Hmmmm, interesting question indeed!
It seems to me that there are many variations in the definitions of what makes a leucisitic. Personally, I am of the opinion that leucisitics don't have to be solid white with blue/black eyes. Perfect example would be in comparing patternless(originally called leucisitic) and Blizzard's (true leucisitic)leopard geckos.
As far as your question, in my humble OPINION, leucism is both a color and pattern mutation. My reasons for thinking this is that an animal showing any degree of this mutant phenotype would have a different "pattern" and all animals affected display a change in color at some point on them, if not completely.
Also, you stated that an animal that looks leucisitic but is just a combination of mutant genes (not counting the leucisitic mutant gene) would indeed have the phenotype(look)of a leucisitic, but the genotype would not be leucisitic.
Don't really have alot of time, but got some good links below, and I think you will be surprised at the definitions presented.
Lastly just wanted to say, that in doing this research, I found it very odd that the incidence of leucism was much higher in reptiles and in birds, less so in the other higher life forms. Very interesting indeed, maybe further proof of the evolutionary link between reptiles and avians!
Later,
Dan
Links:
www.compusmart.ab.ca/kbush/albinism.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucism
http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/wildlife/index.php?subject=Birds:%20General%20Info&id=34
