Belly pattern does play a factor in determining some genes. But that can also be reduced to such a point by some genes that youbstillncant tell if its there. Pied use to have a definite belly patten that everyone assumed was a genetic marker. Same with the Yellow Belly belly markers but even those have come under some scrutinity. There are several other gignes in the Yellow Belly complex that look very similar. Asphalt, Gravel and Spector are all hard to distinguish from Yello Belly. They are doibg a lot of work with genetic testing using shed skin right now and juat made an announcment about a week ago that we will soon be able to send in shed skin for testing, at a cost, to determine the genetics of our animals. I dont know which genes are available yet, they did say clown and pied as definite tests thay have completed trials for.
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