We have done a study here in West Texas over the last ten years recording phenotypes of Western hognoses. Most of the Westerns with black ventrals had origins in Eastern-central New Mexico. Generally, the snakes from this area also had twin-spotted dorsal patterning as opposed to the heavy saddles in the populations East of Lubbock and the mixed patterns in the Lubbock vicinity. The Eastern-central NM population also exhibits a lighter background coloration ranging from tan to yellow and has darker spots ranging in color from rust red to nearly black.
So to answer your question, the black ventral is not uncommon. However, I think it is a very cool trait, especially when it is paired with the lighter, reduced patterned dorsals.



-----
Thank you,
Kevin Rhodes
http://www.freewebs.com/spreptile/hognose.htm

[ Show Entire Thread ]