Sable Hognoses
Sable turns a western hognose into a much deeper brown snake that keeps darkening as it matures. Keepers often use it to add contrast to lighter morphs such as Albino, and Swiss Chocolate is the look-alike to check against.
About the Sable gene
Sable is a recessive gene in the western hognose snake (Heterodon nasicus) that adds melanin and turns the animal a much deeper brown. Keepers often use it to darken lighter morphs such as Albino and deepen the contrast.
Appearance
A Sable is a much darker animal than a normal western hognose, a deep, rich brown. The darkening builds as the animal matures, so an adult carries more of it than a hatchling. Swiss Chocolate is the look-alike, but it runs warmer in tone and its head is darker than its body.
Genetics
Sable is recessive, so a Het Sable, a 50% Het Sable, a 66% Het Sable and a Pos Het Sable all look like a normal western hognose. Swiss Chocolate is listed as its own recessive gene rather than a form of Sable. Sable is part of several named combos: Sunburst with Albino, Black Ice (Arctic Sable) with Arctic, and Mai Tai with Toffee Belly.