Evans Hypo Hognoses

The Evans Hypo is a recessive gene. It keeps the pattern in place while changing a western hognose's dark markings to a warm purplish or grey-brown. This is read as a T+ form of albino instead of a true reduction in pigment. Several named double-recessive combinations are underpinned by the gene. Pure lines range from a deep red base to tan.

Appearance

A pure Evans Hypo maintains its saddle pattern but replaces black with a grey or purplish hue, which is most visible on the belly. The tongue and pupils are bright purple instead of red, while the belly is pink and white with a lavender tint and the body spots are golden brown. Another T+ form is Toffee Belly. Compared to one, an Evans Hypo shows more red or pink in its overall tone, with wider and more diffused saddles and lower contrast. Line still causes colour to vary. Animals bred into extreme red projects are brighter and run warmer than a pure line, and the tone of the eye and body differs from one animal to the next.

Genetics

The Evans Hypo is a recessive gene. One copy looks like a normal western hognose, while the colour only shows with two copies. This family runs from Evans Hypo itself through Het Evans Hypo, 50% Het Evans Hypo, 66% Het Evans Hypo and Pos Het Evans Hypo. Because the same mutation is sold as Dutch Hypo too, pairings have shown the two lines to be one gene. An animal listed under either name is genetically the same. Evans Hypo does not act as an independent gene when paired with another T+ form of albino. It does act as an independent gene when paired with the T-negative Albino, and that pairing makes Sunglow. It produces Ghost with Axanthic, and Frosted Hypo with Caramel Albino. Richard Evans, an American hognose pioneer, first produced the gene, but the year is unknown.