Piebald ball python snake (IMAGE) McGill University Caption Researchers have been able to pinpoint a mutation in a specific gene that they believe plays a crucial role in creating piebald reptiles. Credit CREDIT: Heather Roffey Usage Restrictions None - but images must be credited License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.