Axanthic Project - Unveiling the Spectrum of Shadows
The Essence of Axanthism In crested geckos, axanthism strips away the hues from yellow to red, attributed to the xanthophores—the topmost pigment cells. Comparable to its manifestation across diverse species, axanthism in geckos results in an intriguing monochromatic palette.
Origins and Genetics First identified in the UK, the axanthic trait was propelled into the limelight by Brian Butler of Altitude Exotics post-purchase. The odds of stumbling upon a new mutation are astronomical, yet the emergence of multiple axanthic lines, seemingly coinciding with the UK line's introduction, suggests these were no chance happenings. With the gene being recessive, it's plausible that heterozygous carriers were unknowingly distributed, paving the way for these compatible variants. Notably, lines such as AE, MSL, and Obscurial surfaced in a remarkably narrow timeframe. It's worth acknowledging that the MSL line's progenitor may have historical roots extending beyond other axanthics, tracing back nearly 15 years as per Eddie Shelton's insights.
Distinct Variations Each line parades unique nuances, with some individuals displaying subtle tinges of yellow or red—echoing the incomplete xanthophore eradication observed in other axanthic animals.
Trait Overview
Category: Color
Genotype Symbol: x
Phenotypic Expression: Recessive
Known Alleles: None
Interaction with Base Colors: Black remains pure, while other colors morph into shades of brown or bear a reddish cast.
Trait Interactions
Harlequin: Showcases stark white against a backdrop of black or brown, with selective breeding sharpening the white's persistence.
Hypo: An ongoing study suggests hypo may lighten axanthics to a silvery hue, a venture actively pursued by Tom to delineate the full spectrum of possibilities.
Pinstripe: A prominent white pinstripe feature remains one of the most visually arresting expressions within axanthics.
Phantom: Intensifies the darkness of the gecko, while sparing the white patterns, leading to a stark contrast.
Lilly White: The interaction with Lilly White amplifies the whiteness, though some yellow hints may peek through, attesting to the axanthic trait's complexity.
Cappuccino Project - Blending Depth and Complexity
Overview of Cappuccino Trait
Cappuccino, a relatively new trait discovered in the crested gecko community, initially caught attention for its resemblance to axanthics but soon revealed its unique character. Sourced from Reptiles by Mack and popularized through the efforts of Reptile City Korea (RCK), this trait is now a cornerstone of innovative breeding projects.
Genetic Journey
Initially selected for their axanthic-like appearance, these geckos underwent several outcrosses. The breeding breakthrough came with the production of "Super Cappuccino" after strategic intercrossing, revealing a darker, translucent-skinned gecko with distinctive eye characteristics—either pitch black or with broken irises.
Trait Details
Category: Color
Genotype: C
Phenotype: Incomplete Dominant
Allelic with: Possibly Sable
Expression in Base Colors and Patterns
Cappuccino morphs exhibit an extensive palette across various base colors, with each combination unveiling unique visual traits:
Standard Cappuccino: Typically darker base colors.
With Pinstripe: Originating with pinstripes, these geckos display unique striping without extensive patterning.
With WP/OP: White and orange patterning is often subdued, revealing subtle lateral and dorsal coloration changes over time.
With Phantom: Both traits produce similar dark phenotypes, making them challenging to distinguish but often leaning towards stronger tiger patterns.
With Hypo: Introduces a lighter coloration, suggesting hypo crosses might amplify variations.
Super Cappuccino: Characterized by its stunning splotches of tan to off-white, this super form reshapes our understanding of 'melanistic' and 'translucent' in herpetoculture.
Pioneering Combos
Frappuccino: A high-contrast mix of Cappuccino and Lilly White, where the interplay between darkening and lightening genes creates dynamic visual effects.
Sorak: An experimental combo with Lilly White and Super Cappuccino, known for its dramatic black/grey/silver appearance accented with white blotches reminiscent of a ring-tailed lemur's tail.
Axanthic Combos Project - Pioneering New Frontiers
The Axanthic project presents a thrilling arena of genetic exploration, especially when combined with other distinct morphs like Cappuccino, Frappuccino, and Lilly White. These combinations are not just visually striking; they are at the forefront of crested gecko genetics, offering breeders the chance to explore and refine new phenotypic expressions.
Axanthic Cappuccino (Axanthic Capp)
The Axanthic Cappuccino is a blend that merges the muted monochrome of the Axanthic with the deep, rich tones of the Cappuccino. This combo typically exhibits a dramatic reduction in any residual yellows or reds from the Cappuccino side, resulting in geckos that display a range of grays and subtle browns, intertwined with the distinct patterning inherited from the Cappuccino lineage. The result is a sophisticated, understated look that appeals to enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Axanthic Frappuccino (Axanthic Frapp)
Building on the foundations of both Axanthic and Frappuccino traits, the Axanthic Frappuccino stands out for its unique contrast. Here, the typical brightness brought by the Frappuccino’s influence is tempered by the Axanthic’s grayscale palette, creating geckos with a high-contrast, almost ethereal appearance. The interplay of light and dark patterns across these geckos makes each one a unique piece of living art, with the potential for even more striking variations as selective breeding progresses.
Axanthic Lilly Whites
Combining Axanthic with Lilly White morphs brings about one of the most visually stunning contrasts in crested geckos. Axanthic Lilly Whites showcase the brilliance of Lilly White patterns superimposed on a canvas devoid of warm colors, making every white and creamy blotch pop against a stark, silvery background. This combo not only enhances the visual impact of both traits but also opens up possibilities for further refining the brightness and placement of white areas, making each specimen a rare and highly sought-after gem.
The Future of Axanthic Combos
As we delve deeper into the genetics and phenotypic expressions of these Axanthic combos, our breeding projects continue to evolve. Each pairing not only promises to unveil new visual marvels but also helps us understand the intricate genetic interplay that dictates these stunning appearances. Our ongoing work with these combos ensures that we remain at the cutting edge of crested gecko breeding, continually pushing the boundaries of what is visually and genetically possible.
In fostering these Axanthic combos, we're not just creating new morphs; we're crafting a legacy that will inspire the next generation of breeders and enthusiasts. Each breakthrough brings us closer to unlocking the full potential of crested gecko genetics, and we are excited to share these developments with the community through detailed updates and new articles.