The Jaguar is a morph of the Coastal carpet python (Morelia spilota mcdowelli). Due to it's wide range of expression there has been a lot of confusion as to how this genetic trait should be defined and categorized. However, from what we have been able to determine thus far, the Jaguar mutation seems to be of a co-dominant nature. This means that when the mutant gene is passed on it will be expressed in approximately half of it's offspring when it is bred with a normal 'wild type' Coastal carpet python. The offspring that inherit the Jaguar gene can be visually identified upon hatching as Jaguars (resembling the Jaguar parent), while the rest of the hatchlings in the clutch are simply known as 'Normal Siblings.' These Normal Siblings may take on a variety of appearances and can be quite unique in their own right, although they do not carry the Jaguar gene.
Traditionally, co-dominant genes have both a heterozygous form and a homozygous form. Heterozygous animals carry one copy of the mutant gene, while homozygous animals carry two copies of the mutant gene. Jaguars are the heterozygous form of this mutation, and therefore carry only one copy of the Jaguar gene. The homozygous, or 'super', form of the Jaguar mutation is the Leucistic; a pure white snake that completely lacks both color and pattern. The super form of the Jaguar is achieved by breeding two Jaguars together (which results in 1/4 Leucistics, 50% Jaguars and 1/4 Normal Siblings). To put it another way, Jaguars are actually the visible heterozygous form of the Leucistic carpet. Unfortunately, the Leucistic form of the Jaguar appears to be lethal, or at best very unstable. To date, none of these snakes have lived long after hatching, and some do not even make it out of the egg at all. Many breeders are hopeful that stronger strains of the Jaguar may eventually yield healthy living Leucistic Jaguars. Only time will tell.
Traditionally, co-dominant genes have both a heterozygous form and a homozygous form. Heterozygous animals carry one copy of the mutant gene, while homozygous animals carry two copies of the mutant gene. Jaguars are the heterozygous form of this mutation, and therefore carry only one copy of the Jaguar gene. The homozygous, or 'super', form of the Jaguar mutation is the Leucistic; a pure white snake that completely lacks both color and pattern. The super form of the Jaguar is achieved by breeding two Jaguars together (which results in 1/4 Leucistics, 50% Jaguars and 1/4 Normal Siblings). To put it another way, Jaguars are actually the visible heterozygous form of the Leucistic carpet. Unfortunately, the Leucistic form of the Jaguar appears to be lethal, or at best very unstable. To date, none of these snakes have lived long after hatching, and some do not even make it out of the egg at all. Many breeders are hopeful that stronger strains of the Jaguar may eventually yield healthy living Leucistic Jaguars. Only time will tell.
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