- Leopard (pattern)
Leopard is a term used to describe a spotted color pattern, particularly in the hair coat or skin of
animal s, but also used to describe spotting patterns inplant s andfabric s. The term is derived from the black and gold spotted coat of theLeopard cat, but is used to describe many color combinations that result in spots scattered randomly across the skin or hair coat of other animals. Leopard may also be used to describefabric designs that imitate the coat pattern of Leopards or other animals.Examples of animals with coloring patterns termed "Leopard" include many great cats in the
Panthera species , theLeopard frog , the "Leopard" spotting pattern in theAppaloosa andKnabstrup breeds ofhorse s, theLeopard Seal , insects such as theGiant Leopard Moth , and fish species such as theLeopard darter and theLeopard shark . Examples of plants that use the term include the Leopard Lily, and the Leopard flower.The leopard color pattern in
horses is linked to the "Lp" or Leopard gene, which not only produces a spotted coat color but also causesmottling of the skin, a whitesclera around the eye, and striped hooves. Horses with the Lp gene may be spotted all over, or may have concentrations of spots in various patterns.
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