The Bengal phase - a new project
Bengal phase of eastern garter
Bengal phase of eastern garter
Two female Bengal phase garters with a heterozygous male
Two female Bengal phase garters with a heterozygous male
The ‘ Bengal’ is a genetic (heterozygous recessive gene) variant of the eastern garter snake, origining from two individuals found in Ontario. The term ‘Bengal’ has been coined because of the somewhat tiger-like banding on an orange background.
In simple terms, an individual snake can be a Bengal, a carrier for the Bengal gene (termed ‘het’, or heterozygous), or normal. Carriers of the gene look physically normal. If two carriers breed, then statisically 25% of the offspring will be Bengals.
Orange and yellow forms of the Bengal
There appear to be two different colour variants of the Bengal gene, although the genetics of these appear to be unclear. This picture illustrates the difference in two juveniles.
Orange and yellow forms of the Bengal
It is not yet clear of the relationship between the two colour variants will work in terms of future breeding. At present I have observed both variants in the same litter.
