An adult amelanistic corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) was scanned with our high-resolution scanning system.
We study non-classical ‘exotic’ mammalian and reptilian model species. Multiple so-called ‘morphs’ of the corn snake have been selected for their peculiar colours or patterns. The 3D model above shows an individual of the amelanistic morph characterised by the total absence of melanin. We have identified the insertion of a retroposon in the OCA2 gene as the causal mutation. We are studying 16 different morphs of the corn snake. The wild-type phenotype is visible here.
Check here our publication on the amelanistic corn snake.
Check our Summary Video: How the snake got its scales.
Our publications on corn snakes are compiled here.