Leucistic (White) Ball Python Morph: 20 Interesting Facts

The Ball Python is one of the most popular types of reptiles kept as pets in America. It is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, usually referred to as “morphs.” These result from selective breeding. However, the Leucistic (White) Ball Python is one of the most amazing morphs available. Its striking white color and dark eyes will stop anyone in their tracks.

If you are interested in learning more about this rare morph, keep reading as we look at several interesting facts about it, so you can see if it’s something that you want to seek out as your next pet snake.

The 20 Leucistic (White) Ball Python Morph Facts

1. Definition of Leucism

Leucism is a term that means the animal doesn’t produce melanin as well as it should, resulting in a loss of pigment.

2. Eye Color Distinction

Leucistic animals can lose almost all of their pigment and appear white, but their eyes will remain dark, unlike albino animals.

3. Partial Pigmentation & Color Retention

Some leucistic snakes will retain some of their pigment, and patterns and colors may still be visible. Black is often a color that remains after the others have faded.

4. Leucism in Other Snakes

Other snakes besides the Ball Python can be leucistic, including the Texas Rat Snake.

5. Leucism in Other Species

Other animals besides snakes can be leucistic, including killer whales, axolotls, giraffes, buffalo, and many deer species.

6. Piebald Mutation Relation

The piebald mutation found in many animals, including dogs, cats, and horses, might be a type of leucism.

7. Types of Leucistic Snakes

There are two types of leucistic snakes: a Blue-Eyed Leucistic and a Black-Eyed Leucistic.

8. Ivory Morph Comparison

The Ivory Ball Python morph is quite similar in appearance to the leucistic varieties, but it is not the same. It usually appears pinker in color, and the pattern is usually more visible.

9. Genetic Influence

Animals with one copy of the leucistic gene will have a minor pigment reduction, while snakes with two copies will have a dramatic leucistic white appearance.

10. Creating Black-Eyed Leucistics

The Black-Eyed Leucistic morph is much easier to create than the Blue-Eyed Leucistic and only requires breeding two Yellow-Bellied Ball Pythons together.

11. Breeding Outcomes

Breeding two Yellow-Bellied Ball Pythons should result in a clutch containing 25% Black-Eyed Leucistic snakes.

12. Blue-Eyed Leucistic Genetics

The Blue-Eyed Leucistic morph is associated with several different genes called a “complex,” which you can combine to create the blue eye color.

13. Mutations Associated with the Blue-Eyed Leucism

The mutations associated with the blue-eyed genes include Mojave, Butter, Lesser Platinum, Bamboo, Phantom, Mystic, Mocha, Special, and Daddy. The list is growing as more mutations get discovered.

14. Health Concerns

Some mutations associated with blue eyes, like the Spider mutation, can lead to health problems.

15. Eye Protrusion

Some Blue-Eyed Leucistic snakes can have protruding eyes, and it seems to be more common in snakes created using the Butter or Lesser Platinum mutations. However, the eyes don’t seem to bother the snake or cause it to be unhealthy.

16. Dietary Recommendations

Blue-eyed leucistic snakes with bulging eyes may require a diet of thawed frozen animals to protect the eyes from the damage that might occur when capturing live prey.

17. General Health

Most Leucistic Ball Python morphs are perfectly healthy.

18. Care Requirements

Leucistic Ball Pythons require the same care as any other Ball Python morph, and you will need to provide it with the same space, temperature, humidity, and diet.

19. Sensitivity to Light

Leucistic Ball Pythons do not seem to be sensitive to light like albino animals, but they will usually choose to avoid it since they are primarily nocturnal.

20. Breeding Achievements

Not long ago, there were no white snakes available, and only the hard work of breeders made it possible.

Final Thoughts

The Leucistic (White) Ball Python morph is an impressive and striking animal, whether it has black eyes or blue. It’s an extremely rare morph but becoming more popular as breeders become more proficient at creating them. So, there is still plenty of time for you to become one of the first people in your area to own one of these unique pets. It doesn’t require any more care than any other Ball Python, so if you already have experience raising snakes, you will feel right at home with it.

Featured Image Credit by anythings, Shutterstock