Think I have a VPI Axanthic but the head is black w/ cream spot???

[JennieO]

I was given two juvi ball pythons last night. The one specifically has some unusual coloration & markings. The base color is a rich black & the "alien heads" are a creamy color with light speckling of brown. It is partially black backed but the dorsal markings are bright cream & kind of speckled with bits of black varrying from heavy to light speckles. The real clencher is that the top of the head is black(no brown) with a beautiful cream splotch.

I have done research since last night & found VPI Axanthics that look exactly like him EXCEPT for his head color. His friend that came with him has similar less noticeable markings but has strong pied markers as well. But....his head is brown with a faint almost butterfly pattern to it. If their clutch mates with the possibility of parents both being recessive makes sense but the one having the top portion of his head being black with the bright cream colored spot is something I have never seen, I an pretty new though.

What I'm trying to figure out is, has anyone heard of or seen an axanthic or anything else that sounds like what I have described???
Also, I literally just registered so not sure how to post a photo or if I even can in this forum.

I took some photos with my phone but in no way does it show how beautiful he is or how rich his color is. Doesn't help that he's in shed either.

Thank you in advance for any imput!
Jen

[yardy]

Axanthic is a colour mutation, not a pattern one, so the underlying pattern can vary considerably. Photos would help a bit, allowing for the fact that axanthics do not always photograph very well, but it is almost impossible to spot what type of axanthic you have visually, if that is what you have. Did you get any information from the person that you got these snakes from? Young axanthics tend to be black, grey, white and silver looking-the subtle brown shades only come in on older animals. I would think that it is unlikely that you would be given one without knowing what it is.

[cmack91]

Photos would help alot in a situation like this. After he sheds, try to take some good pics with a real camera, upload them to photobucket, and then you can copy the IMG code and paste it directly in the text box here. Thats the easiest way.