Leucistic yellow spotted Salamander, NY

[dane]

saw this while cruisin kingsnake, awesome find!!

http://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=1296067,1296067

 

[kenneth]

Hi guys,
LOL, I tried to post this to Caudata first, but was blocked (I guess for not posting for a long time?). But anyway, got back in. So thanks DANE for posting here!

To answer some questions I have had. I'm going out Wed. night to search the vernal pool this was on the way to. I also got some info from the SSAR publication on albino amphibians on the way. Does anyone know specifically if that publication lists a LEUCISTIC yellow spotted? I took a toe clipping to make sure it IS pure yellow spotted, just in case. But to me, it doesn't have a Jeff hybrid look at all. Do most of you agree, that this looks like a yellow spotted more then anything? The only sympatric large Ambystomatid in the area there is the LLJ hybrid complex.

Anyway, most likely she went to this pond at least for a few years, and at least some heteros have to be there, which means sister to brother breeding had to happen at the very least. It would be outrageous if this pond had more. I'll surely post again if so. I've got a good feeling about this. Its an isolated population in Northern NY.

Best,
Kenny

 

[william]

does anyone else think that leucistic/albino animals look 'ugly'

 

[kaysie]

William, I think it's hideous, but definitely unique and amazing in its own right.

 

[jennifer]

Kenneth, thanks for the info! Very amazing animal. If you could still post the photo here, we'd appreciate it. We hate giving free links to kingsnake

 

[foster]

Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder. With that being said it is beyond me why so many people over the years have produced albino, blizzard, etc snakes, lizards, fish and so on when the natural colorations are usually so much nicer (in my opinion). I add my vote to putting that salamander in the hideous category.
Chip

 

[kara]

Wouldn't you say some of nature's oddities are miraculous? I think sometimes the coolest animals, are ones that were never supposed to make it. Runts, albino's, amputee's, deformed, it's all a test, and the animals born like this who thrive and grow and develop in to neat little individuals, have a ton of heart, and determination. Definately not ugly, in my opinion.

 

[foster]

Oh I think that many oddities can be intriguing and it is certainly amazing that this animal survived to adulthood. My biggest gripe is breeders who take a normally colorful animal (leopard geckos and corn snakes come immediately to mind) and wash that color out, producing all of these plastic looking creations. Again, this is only my opinion. I certainly realize that there are many others that appreciate and admire these color variations. I still think that is one ugly looking salamander though!
Chip

 

[kenneth]

A naturally occurring mutation in color, to me is more impressive. And the fact that the animal could even survive to me is rather cool. Remember, all mutations are not bad. There's a paper out there somewhere about the leucistic phase of red-backed salamanders (1970's, maybe by Brodie et al), and they thought that maybe it even helped them survive....the bright colors maybe warning predators. I think it is no more ugly then let's say a white poodle for instance. But I can relate to the people that think it is ugly. LOL, the lady whose house it was found at called it a "naked mole rat." We go out Wednesday night to the site to check for more. I'll fill you guys in.
Best, Kenny

http://www.naturexchange.com/luey2.jpg

 

[alex]

lets be honest guys, an awful lot of people find axolotls ugly as well. i personally don't like albino's, but i suppose its a case of "whateva floats your boat"

 

[ryan]

I think its pretty ugly. I'm not one for albinos, especially ones that are bred to be that way (like axolotls).

It is very interesting to see this though.

 

[dawn]

I like what Kara said. It's a little strange looking but think of all the taunting it had to endure growing up.
Now don't you feel bad for calling it ugly?