What interaction causes microphthalmia in Piebald ball pythons?

Answer

A homozygous Piebald combined with a Super form from the BEL complex

The most serious eye complication associated with the Piebald trait, known as microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes) or even the complete absence of eyes, is caused by a specific genetic synergy. This occurs when the Piebald gene is present alongside a homozygous, or 'Super,' form of a gene belonging to the Blue Eyed Leucistic (BEL) complex. When any Superform from the BEL group is combined with Piebald, the resulting offspring frequently exhibits this eye defect, indicating a complex interaction between the pattern disruption and the Super gene expression.

What interaction causes microphthalmia in Piebald ball pythons?

#Videos

Beware these Genetic Defects in these Ball Python Morphs - YouTube

The Potential of the 'Pied' Ball Python - YouTube

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