Derma ball?

They're not fake photos. This trait is genetic, but the last I heard, the male derma ball had not successfully been bred, though his owner intended to try again.

This genetic mutation has cropped up in several other snake species, which HAVE been bred. Here is a link to a photo of a scaleless corn snake:
http://digitalherper.com/forum/posted/scaleless1.jpg

Here's an article on scaleless reptiles (including a scaleless bearded dragon): http://theobligatescientist.blogspot...ns-scales.html

Nothing fake here at all--just the equivalent of a Sphynx cat in snake form. :)

For those concerned about the animals--in captivity, their relatively fragile skin doesn't appear to pose a real problem, and they seem otherwise perfectly healthy. Some folks speculated that the Derma ball doesn't have heat pits--it does have them, it's just that the specially formed cupped scales which would normally cover them are missing, showing only the smooth skin that underlies them. They are also apparently able to get around reasonably well.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by WingedWolfPsion

Here's an article on scaleless reptiles (including a scaleless bearded dragon): http://theobligatescientist.blogspot...ns-scales.html

---

great link...thanks for sharing!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pavlovk1025

I was looking up pics for one of the BPnet member's website and stumbled across this image. Can it be reproduced through breeding? Also does it effect the BP in any negative way to be "scaleless?" Thanks!


http://www.bluechameleon.org/2008%20...,%201000cc.jpg

---

I've seen this snake in person twice,and talked the genetics with gene,this is the only one hes made its the purple haze,he as 4 other hold backs,that dont look normal,but thier not scaleless,he is raising this little girl up to breed,but tis takeing a while,as it MUST eat pre killed,and small prey items,a normal size prey item on her first meal tore the skin a little bit,she she needs tiny preys