By Francesco Tomasinelli and Emilio Scoti

Updated 12/08/2007

Most world-class herpetologists are known for their expertise only by a select and specific few: the herpetology community. Ron Tremper, however, has been able to blur lines, cross borders, and bring art in to the laboratory. For almost 30 years, working on genetic, Ron has been the leading innovator in leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) morphs, expressing his creativity along with his knowledge. The result is a stunning kaleidoscope of colors and patterns that intrigue even those who were never interested in reptiles, giving birth to a huge pet reptile market. He discovered the albino leopard gecko and was the first to isolate the gene in order to develop and breed it in captivity. Among his latest creations are the "Diablo Blanco," a snow white leopard gecko with completely red eyes, and the tangerine albino, or "Tangelo".
In his own words: "There has been an explosion of interest to breed color and pattern mutations since 1991 when the first designer leopard geckos hatched. Any color and pattern you can think of is possible..." Possible, yes, but only thanks to the ingenuity and creativity of an equally rare breed of human, the artistic scientist: Ron Tremper. More info at: www.leopardgecko.com

Many thanks to Ron and Marylin Tremper, the family Evans, Brent, Carolyn, Laurel and Jonah, Robert and Kim Abernethy.