Re: What does leucistic mean? If it's not albinism, what's the difference?

The following is a definition of albinism as it relates to people, but the same will hold true for animals. I found this information at http://www.albinism.org/publications/what-is-albinism.html Recent research has used analysis of DNA, the chemical which encodes genetic information, to arrive at a more firm classification system for albinism. Type 1 albinism (also called tyrosinase-related albinism) is the type involving almost no pigmentation. Type 1 albinism results from a genetic defect in an enzyme called tyrosinase. This enzyme helps the body to change the amino acid tyrosine into pigment. (An amino acid is a "building block" of protein, and comes from protein in the diet.) Type 2, a type with slight pigmentation, results from a defect in a different gene called the "P" gene. Researchers have identified several other genes that cause forms of albinism. In one form of albinism, the Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, there can be problems with bleeding, and with lung and bowel disease as well. Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome is a less common form of albinism, but should be suspected if a child with albinism shows unusual bruising or bleeding. I could not find the word leucistic anywhere. I'm assuming you are talking about luteal which is a yellow or orange yellow color. Luciditas refers to brightness or shining. Lutein is a yellow pigment of the corpus luteum (part of the female reproductive organs). According to Mader's Reptile Medicine and Surgery, published by BW Saunders in 1996, animals with albinism involves red, yellow or white and produces varying color patterns. I hope this helps to answer your question.