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Breeding Programs & Available OffspringSteve and Karen Osborne2385 Royal Crest Drive Escondido, California 92025 USA 1-800-487-9658 Call or FAX in U.S. and Canada (760) 781-1339 International Call or FAX E-mail: probreeders@yahoo.com |
Lampropeltis alterna X Lampropeltis ruthveni
| Top: Albino female with double-white bands and wide orange saddles. This is one of the first 6 albinos produced from the initial hetero to hetero breedings. |
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HYBRID INTRODUCTION: Lampropeltis ruthveni is unique in having scalation and additional features in common with multiple species of tri-color Kingsnakes and Milk Snakes. Taxonomists have suggested that Lampropeltis ruthveni is an ancestral seed stock source that led to the radiation and establishment of the present day geographic distribution of many tri-color Lampropeltis species and subspecies. This close phylogenetic relationship has provided the unique situation for reproductive compatibility of Lampropeltis ruthveni with all other tri-color species. In 1991, we initiated the process of determining if the crossbreeding of albino L. ruthveni to other tri-colors would have favorable results. We decided to focus on hybridizing albino L. ruthveni to the most popular tri-color Kingsnake and Milk Snake subspecies that have uniquely recognizable traits, such as the light phase Blair’s Kingsnake. It was decided from the onset that only the finest quality stock available (both albino L. ruthveni and the subspecies crossed to) would be bred to best determine the potential of each hybrid cross. So far, the results have been extraordinary. The color and pattern appearance of first generation L. ruthveni heterozygous and albino hybrids has swayed heavily toward the characteristic unique traits of the subspecies crossed to, rather than traits halfway in between. This suggests that L. ruthveni has "hidden" genetic material for broad color and pattern variations that is not evident and remains dormant in the wild L. ruthveni stock. The added effect of heterosis (hybrid vigor) has intensified the natural coloration (of the subspecies crossed to) beyond all expectations, as well as positive behavioral outcomes. Highly responsive feeding behavior of hybrid hatchlings on unscented pinkie mice has been an added benefit. The incredible appearance and hybridizing capability of albino L. ruthveni has established an entirely new category for domesticated Lampropeltis breeding. We are continuing in the development and refinement of the new hybrid lines and working toward establishing a total of 5 individually unique albino hybrid crosses. The 4 newest hybrid species described on the next page are all in the early stages of development.
ALBINO BLAIR’S x QUERETARO KINGSNAKES The similar appearance of medium or light phase orange saddled Blair’s in albino form. We began the process of establishing this first albino hybrid in 1991 from the breeding of an outstanding coral red, light yellow and pale white phase albino L. ruthveni male to an intense orange, 12 saddled, Langtry locality, light phase alterna female. Additional 1995 outbreeding of the best albino Blair’s x Queretaro Kingsnake male (pictured below) to several top quality Juno Road light phase Blair’s Kingsnake females produced astounding results in the 75% Blair’s x 25% Queretaro Kingsnake heterozygous offspring. Further refinement to the 7/8 Blair’s, 1/8 Queretaro influence will take place in 1998-99.
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Above: F1 Heterozygous albino Blair's x Queretaro Kingsnake produced from breeding a 12 Orange saddled light phase L.alterna female to a coral red, yellow, & white albino L.ruthveni male. Below: Narrow-banded intensified orange phase albino with enhanced orange edging on the yellow bands.
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