ABSTRACT Background and Aim Colour polymorphic populations constitute excellent
model systems for testing ecological and evolutionary hypotheses, as alternate colourations …

In order to understand molecular and genetic mechanism of color pattern formation, not only
adult phenotypes but also processes and mechanisms of color production and pattern …

Reptiles exhibit a spectacular diversity of skin colors and patterns brought about by the
interactions among three chromatophore types: black melanophores with melanin-packed …

Background Reptiles exhibit a wide variety of skin colors, which serve essential roles in
survival and reproduction. However, the molecular basis of these conspicuous colors …

Color patterns in nonavian reptiles are beautifully diverse, but little is known about the
genetics and development of these patterns. Here, we investigated color patterning in pet …

Aposematic organisms can show phenotypic variability across their distributional ranges.
The ecological advantages of this variability have been scarcely studied in vipers. We …

Albinism and leucism are phenotypes resulting from impaired melanin pigmentation in the
skin and skin appendages. However, melanin pigmentation of eyes remains unaffected in …

The variegated toad-headed agama, Phrynocephalus versicolor, lives in the arid landscape
of the Chinese Gobi Desert. We analyzed populations from three different locations which …

Melanism is a polymorphic phenotype caused by the number and density of melanocyte
cells producing melanin pigment in the skin and widely observed in snakes. The frequency …

The spectacular changes in the beautiful coloration and conspicuous patterns in animals
have commanded the attention of a wide range of people, including hobbyists, scuba divers …