Hypo vs Ultra

Aside from the obvious coloration, what is the genetic difference between hypo and ultra melanistic?

Did a quick Google search and didn't find any answers right off the bat, so I figured I'd just go ahead and ask.

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Originally Posted by BWyant

Aside from the obvious coloration, what is the genetic difference between hypo and ultra melanistic?

Did a quick Google search and didn't find any answers right off the bat, so I figured I'd just go ahead and ask.

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im not quite sure what you mean, they are completely different morphs sitting in different places on the DNA. They are as genetically similar as piebald and clown.

hypo means "below or under", so i guess it means under normal amounts of melanin?
ultra means "beyond" so beyond melanin? yea i don't understand that one.

Melanin is an expression of black, grey, or brown pigment.

Hypos - reduction of black melanin
Ultra - Not totally sure with this one, but I think it's a reduction of black and grey melanin.

They're both different genetically. Both are different recessive morphs.

I guess you're on the right track with those responses.

I'm kinda' looking for the definition of hypomelanistic and ultramelanistic, I guess and what the difference between the two is. Obviously they both deal with melanin, but as someone who isn't versed in the sciences, hypo and ultra both sound like "super" or "powerful" to my untrained ears.

Thanks.

Its actually simpler. This is strictly in the ball python world. Hypo is lacking some black/dark pigment. Ultra is lacking all black/dark pigment.

In the real world Melanistic is all black, a reverse albino if you will. Hypomelanistic is missing color, or albinoism. I guess if there was a real Ultramelanistic animal it would be clear? lol not sure

There is a Melanistic North Western Garter snake that is all black.