Lemon Frost
Type: Incomplete Dominant
First Produced By: Gourmet Rodent
Aliases: LF
Issues: Inherited Cancer
First Produced In: 2012-2013
Availability: Rarest
Last Updated: 2022-09-29
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About
Lemon Frost is an incomplete dominant mutation.
Issues
Inherited Cancer
Cancer is associated with Lemon Frost, they are controlled by the same gene (SPINT1). It is believed that Lemon Frost causes iridophores to be overproduced, resulting in a lighter color and possible skin tumours. Some sources claim that when lighter morphs are added it increases the chance/amount of skin tumours. This is possible since those lighter morphs might also produce slightly more iridophores, not enough to cause tumours on their own but enough to increase tumours when combined with Lemon Frost.
History
In 2012-2013 Gourmet Rodents hatched the first Lemon Frost leopard gecko. Steve Sykes bought a pair of Lemon Frost leopard geckos at auction in 2015. After a year Sykes saw tumours growing on the offspring. So, he attempted to separate the morph from the tumours but it was unsuccessful. Some geckos went to Leonid Kruglyak, an evolutionary geneticist for research. [1]
Appearance
Head
The head of a Lemon Frost leopard gecko has a headstamp with green/yellow and black patterns. As the gecko ages the headstamp will often gain spots. Sometimes the head will appear deformed, especially in the super form.
Body
The body of a Lemon Frost leopard gecko starts of with yellow and black coloration. As the gecko ages spots will start appearing. Tumours may also appear with age.
Tail
The tail of a Lemon Frost leopard gecko is often dark with light patterning. Like the rest of the gecko it gains spots with age.
Controversy
Lemon Frost is not supported for sale on MorphMarket at this time.
While it is perfectly legal to breed Lemon Frosts, organizations like the IHS in Europe have banned the sale of any Leopard Gecko carrying the Lemon Frost gene at their events. [2]
Although Lemon Frosts (LF) are extremely beautiful, most vehemently advise against their breeding because research has shown that they are at heightened risk of suffering from iridophore cell tumours in their skin and internal organs [3].
Iridophores are crystalline cells that affect pigmentation in animals. More precisely, they cause the production of bright pigmentation such as whites. We can attribute the unique coloration of LFs to this.
Scientists have found that the allele responsible for the LF morph is semi-dominant. As a direct result, LFs tend to have shorter life expectancy regardless of whether they’re visual or het. [3]
Proven Lines
No known proven lines
Related Traits
No known related traits
Combos
Lemon Frost Black Night Tremper Albino Mack Snow Het Eclipse LG200620IM2 Leopard Gecko by Gobble’s Reptiles
Lemon Frost Black Night Snow Leopard Gecko by Gobble’s Reptiles
Black Night Lemon Frost LG200507IF1 Leopard Gecko by Gobble’s Reptiles
Black Night Snow Lemon Frost PH T. Albino LG200604IM2 Leopard Gecko by Gobble’s Reptiles
