Breeding P. Whitei Localities

[that1ocelot]

Hey there,

Forgive me if this is a silly question. I understand that P. Whitei is widespread and individuals among the species can be very different based on their localities. My question is - are you able to breed P. Whitei from different geographic regions?
For example, Hondura x Costa Rica?

I'm not too familiar with the science behind it. Thanks!

 

[mantisfan101]

I wouldn’t, they’re aggressive enough to each other when they’re not interested in matinf

 

[Albireo Wulfbooper]

I think given the phenotypic differences between them, this would be frowned upon. When you have regional variation in a poorly-studied organism like this it’s best to keep the genetic lines separate. There may be cross-breeding where their range intersects, but given that these animals don’t travel far in their lives, these populations have probably been mostly separated for many thousands of years, and may be diverging into separate species. In the face of the unknown, it’s safest to avoid potentially mingling gene pools in the hobby.

 

[that1ocelot]

Thanks @Albireo Wulfbooper and @mantisfan101 ! I appreciate the insight. Figured it would be a no no simple based on the mingling genes but thought I would ask.