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Axanthic (VPI)

Type: Recessive

First Produced By: Vida Preciosa International

Aliases: VPI Axanthic

First Produced In: 1997

Availability: Common

Last Updated: 2025-02-05

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About

There are multiple lines of non-allelic Axanthics, the most worked with being the TSK, VPI, Joliff and MJ lines.

Axanthic Ball Pythons have a mutation called Axanthism that only affects the xanthophores to either prevent or greatly reduce production of yellow and red pigmentation. The resulting snake is usually a mixture of black, grays and whites as the axanthic mutation does not affect the melanophores (brown and black pigment), or iridophores (iridescent pigmentation).

History

The founder of the “VPI axanthic lineage” was obtained by VPI in 1990 and the descendents of that snake are identified as “VPI lineage axanthics.”.

Appearance

Head

The head of an Axanthic Ball Python is similar to that of a Normal Ball Python, but with less earthy tones.

Body

Axanthic Ball Pythons’ bodies tend to have reduced markings with the “alien heads” and a pale blushing along the black “puzzle” pattern.

Tail

The tail of the Axanthic Ball Python follows the same colouration as the rest of its body, with blank “alien heads” to either side of a dorsal stripe.