Leucism is often used to describe the phenotype that results from defects in pigment cell differentiation and/or migration from the neural crest to skin, hair, or feathers during development.

According to the National Park Service, albinism is a genetic mutation that prevents the production of melanin (a pigment that gives an animal its color) in the cells, while leucism is …

Mar 28, 2025 · Leucism arises from a partial loss of pigmentation caused by a genetic mutation that inhibits melanin and other pigment production, resulting in animals having white, patchy, …

Albino reptiles have red eyes and a completely white body, while leucistic reptiles have white, dull, or blotchy scales. In leucistic reptiles, some parts of their body can remain unaffected.

Dec 6, 2022 · Leucism results in a reduction in all types of pigments, not just melanin, so an animal with leucism may either have pale or muted colors or irregular patches of white.

leucistic (luːˈkɪstɪk) adj having reduced pigmentation in the skin but normally coloured eyes

Definition of 'leucistic' leucistic in British English (luːˈkɪstɪk ) adjective zoology

Aug 10, 2024 · Only one in 10,000 tigers is naturally born leucistic. This white cub rarely survives to adulthood. There are less than 5,000 tigers in the wild today, but there are a lot of white …

Having a reduced amount of pigmentation, resulting in lighter-colored skin, hair, or feathers, compared to typical individuals of the same species. Leucistic animals can sometimes be …

Feb 4, 2021 · From a natural selection perspective, leucistic animals can survive if their unique coloration does not interact with their ability to hide from predators or attract mates.