Coat color genetics of Peromyscus: III. Golden-nugget--a recessive trait in the white-footed mouse, P. leucopus.

A novel pelage color variant appeared in a laboratory colony of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) from Massachusetts. The mature adult coat color of this variant exhibits a rich golden tan appearance on the dorsum with white underparts. The trait is inherited as an autosomal recessive. Phenotypic comparisons with other rodents suggest that the trait is attributable to an allele at the brown (b) locus. Under laboratory conditions homozygous or heterozygous golden-nugget Peromyscus do not differ significantly from the wild type in litter size, litter survival, nest defense, or body weight. The possibility that the allele confers some adaptive value in nature is considered. The trait is given the tentative designation bgn (golden-nugget).