Mechanism of Sex Determination in Ball Pythons?

[Mendel's Balls]

Does anyone know what determines whether a ball python develops into male or female? Is it envirnomental determination? Or is it a genetic mechanism such as our XY system?

I know for many reptiles sex choice is usually determined by the temperature at which early embryonic development takes place. However, if that was the case couldn't breeders try to control whether or not they have males or females? And since females are ususally worth more money.......

I havent seen any sex-linked traits being discussed in these parts.....of course this doesnt mean they dont exist..........

Could it be the ratio of different types of sex chromosomes?

[JLC]

LOL...I was all set to type something about probes and popping, but that's not what you're asking, huh? I believe the sex of BP's (and any other snake I know of, but I'm no expert) are determined genetically, rather than environmentally.

[daniel1983]

Ball pythons are rather simple in terms of genetics. No temperture sex determination and no known sex-linked traits. There has been some talk of sex-linked traits(I think the coral glow was one) in some new morphs....but when only 3-4 of the morph actually exists...it may just be that the odds have not hit one of both sexes yet. These animals are rather "new" to the reptile industry, so alot is left to be learned.

[Mendel's Balls]

Makes sense.....like i was alluding to...if it was environmentally determined I think breeders and their incubator would have figured out how to control it by now......

But does anyone know if it is a XY system similiar to our own?

[Mendel's Balls]

Ball pythons are rather simple in terms of genetics. No temperture sex determination and no known sex-linked traits. There has been some talk of sex-linked traits(I think the coral glow was one) in some new morphs....but when only 3-4 of the morph actually exists...it may just be that the odds have not hit one of both sexes yet. These animals are rather "new" to the reptile industry, so alot is left to be learned.

Cool....it will be interesting to see how it turns out....

Coral Glow is a designer morph (it's a double recessive).....right? Is it the coral albino or the ghost trait that may be sex-linked....

[daniel1983]

Coral Glow is a designer morph (it's a double recessive).....right? Is it the coral albino or the ghost trait that may be sex-linked....

Coral Glow is a dominant morph (possibly co-dom). You are thinking of the Caramel Glow which is a caramel albino and hypo double recessive combo.

[Mendel's Balls]

ok thanks got confused on names.....

[daniel1983]

With so many variations to one animal....the morphs are easy to get confused at first...then you become obsessed and know them all

Here is something to read:
http://www.newenglandreptile.com/ball_coralglow.html
http://www.newenglandreptile.com/bal...okealbino.html

[Mendel's Balls]

I also suspect that breeders do not want to reveal all their secrets right away.......

[cassandra]

Probably extremely unrelated but I know I've read in de Vosjoli's Boa Constrictor Manual that temperature variances while the female is gravid can change the saddles into striping or change the striping in some boas...