Albino or leutistic tarantulas possible?

[Ewok]

Would it be possible to make an albino or leutistic tarantula? Imagine an albino P. metallica with its blue marKings!

 

[common spider]

No.

 

[Amanda]

Why not? I know you couldn't "make" one, but wouldn't it be possible for such a thing to occur in nature... even if it were 1 in 100,000,000?

 

[Jaden]

Why not? I know you couldn't "make" one, but wouldn't it be possible for such a thing to occur in nature... even if it were 1 in 100,000,000?

Again NO. It just doesn't happen that way. I don't know all the correct terms but something in the exoskeleton doesn't allow it to happen.

 

[YouLosePayUp]

Technically if the exoskeleton were to be significantly thinner adversly affecting the ability to harden then strange things could "technically" happen. The only issue with this is it would most likely return to normal on the next molt unless somehow it was a genetic defect.

 

[Ewok]

even with genetic engineering it wouldn't be possible to get albino?

 

[ShadowSpectrum]

At this point *(after moulting)* it will be very pale, even white in younger specimens. The cuticle will darken as it hardens. This is due to the chemical processes going on, termed "tanning". The color of arthropod cuticle is in part due to its structure, rather than pigment, which is why we never see albino insects or spiders

Originally posted by Cirith Ungol in this thread.

 

[moricollins]

http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/showthread.php?t=49882&highlight=albino

http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/showthread.php?t=45493&highlight=albino

Enjoy, many more finds on the search too

 

[Thoth]

Technically if the exoskeleton were to be significantly thinner adversly affecting the ability to harden then strange things could "technically" happen. The only issue with this is it would most likely return to normal on the next molt unless somehow it was a genetic defect.

Assuming it survived.

The color in ts is caused mainly by the refraction of light by the exoskeleton and not pigments. So traditional albinism is not possible. The same thing is true for several species of birds like blue jays where the blue color isn't from pigment but refraction of light by the air pockets within the feathers. So unless there is some major change in the fine structure of the exoskeleton that won't ultimately kill the t there will never be a true albino/leutistic t.

 

[Tony]

http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/showthread.php?t=49882&highlight=albino

http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/showthread.php?t=45493&highlight=albino

Enjoy, many more finds on the search too

STOP IT..
The search button doesnt always show up.
At least thats what I think..
The terms asked about in the OP are explained in those links..If they're the links I'm thinking of
T

 

[YouLosePayUp]

Assuming it survived.

The color in ts is caused mainly by the refraction of light by the exoskeleton and not pigments. So traditional albinism is not possible. The same thing is true for several species of birds like blue jays where the blue color isn't from pigment but refraction of light by the air pockets within the feathers. So unless there is some major change in the fine structure of the exoskeleton that won't ultimately kill the t there will never be a true albino/leutistic t.

LMAO funny you should mention that. If what you are saying is true then "technically"(here we go again lol) all tarantulas are albino (lacking all pigment)

 

[heyjeyniceid]

even with genetic engineering it wouldn't be possible to get albino?

Genetic engineering? Who would fund all that effort for tarantulas?

 

[Steffen]

LMAO funny you should mention that. If what you are saying is true then "technically"(here we go again lol) all tarantulas are albino (lacking all pigment)

albinism is defined by the lack of a certain pigment, not the lack/absense of all pigments.

 

[angelarachnid]

HEHEHEHEEHEHE


Have a look here:}

http://www.the-t-store.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=6279&st=0&

There MIGHT be some colour varients comming up in the near future, if the genetics for (lack off) colour work.

Ray

 

[Steffen]

Then this should be a valid candidate aswell.

http://www.poecilotheria.com/berichtepoecilotheria_formosa_color_forms.htm

Point is that light color is not = no color

 

[MicahHall]

Genetic engineering? Who would fund all that effort for tarantulas?

They did make "naked" glow in the dark mice.. god only knows what they could do with a T.. Im sure someone out there is odd enough to try something with a T.

 

[angelarachnid]

Steffen,

I have had formosa which have been really dark and really light, both changed colour after moulting.

Ray

 

[YouLosePayUp]

Someone should make a Mexican Red Rump Red Knee Red Leg with a solid black undercolor. Years of dedication but I believe its possible. B. vagans/B. smith/B. boehmei :}

 

[Ewok]

Assuming it survived.

The color in ts is caused mainly by the refraction of light by the exoskeleton and not pigments. So traditional albinism is not possible. The same thing is true for several species of birds like blue jays where the blue color isn't from pigment but refraction of light by the air pockets within the feathers. So unless there is some major change in the fine structure of the exoskeleton that won't ultimately kill the t there will never be a true albino/leutistic t.

thats interesting, I did not know that is where they get thier color from, I thought it was genetic.