2025/12/01 by Boglárka Mészáros, Krisztián Halász, Éva Szakács · 1 voice
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Environmental Science · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #melanin and skin pigmentation #Amphibian and Reptile Biology #Animal Behavior and Reproduction
paper · pdf · doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e163261
Body color abnormalities can significantly affect reptile fitness, as coloration plays a key role in ecological interactions such as mate selection, predator avoidance, and protection from environmental factors. Albinism—one of the most well-known color abnormalities—is caused by the absence of melanin. In wild snake populations, albinism cases are rare. This study reports the first documented cases of albino Aesculapian snakes ( Zamenis longissimus ) in Hungary.