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Aleopard pattern is a spotted color pattern, particularly in the hair coat or skin ofanimals, but can also describe spotting patterns inplants and a distinctive print appearing on clothing and otherfabrics.[1][2][3]
In the animal world, leopard pattern refers to the black and gold spotted coat of theleopard,[4] but is used to describe many color combinations that result in spots scattered across the skin or hair coat of other animals.Examples of animals with coloring patterns termedleopard include many great cats in the genusPanthera, theleopard frog, the "leopard" spotting pattern in theAppaloosa andKnabstrupper breeds ofhorses, theleopard seal, insects such as thegiant leopard moth, and fish species such as theleopard darter,leopard shark, and theleopard eel.[5] Examples of plants that use the term include theleopard lily, and theleopard flower.[6] Other animals with leopard patterns include theleopard cat,snow leopard,clouded leopard,leopard gecko and theleopard tortoise among some others.
TheLp (leopard complex) gene is responsible for the leopard color pattern inhorses,[7][8] which not only produces a spottedcoat color but also causesmottling of the skin, a whitesclera around the eye, and stripedhooves. Horses with theLp gene may be spotted all over, or may have concentrations of spots in various patterns.
Some other animal breeds like dogs, such asDalmatians,Catahoula Leopard Dogs andAmerican Leopard Hounds also have similar leopard color patterns.
