Color Variation Research Articles

Preserving Sculptural Heritage in the Era of Digital Transformation: Methods and Challenges of 3D Art Assessment

Sustainable digital cultural heritage is now an essential aspect of our lives. The rapid development of 3D technology in the historic preservation industry provides the means of documenting, recovering, and presenting cultural heritage items. However, the digital transformation of 3D sculpture heritage is often led by technology without effective evaluation indicators as a guide. This study compares effective assessment methods for digital forms with traditional art. Our approach uses semantic differential scales and machine learning regression models to assess the importance of fifteen artistic attributes. The semantic differential scale is improved based on 15 artistic attributes and proves to be effective in evaluating the value of digital artwork. This research finds that digital artwork is significantly more popular among young people compared with elderly people, especially for attributes like colour variation, saturation, and texture. The research also finds that complexity and social attributes are more important in predicting the value of the digital 3D model. Digital transformation is a viable method for preserving the artistic value of sculpture and improving cultural sustainability.

Drying Kinetics of Grated Ginger (Zingiber officinale) In a Microwave Oven with Control of Power

The drying of ginger in Mexico is not commercially done, which causes a large amount of product that is not consumed in the form of fresh vegetable, to be wasted. To obtain a more sustainable and profitable presentation of the product, it was proposed to analyze the drying kinetics and the time consumed to perform this operation, having as quality parameters the organoleptic properties, namely, color, taste and smell. The kinetics of the drying of grated ginger (Zingiber officinale) was analyzed. A microwave oven with power values of 15 and 20 W/ g of product, was used. This energy was lower than that required by other drying methods, the periods of time used were 35 min for 20 W/g and 45 min for 15 W/g. The numerical model that best represents the kinetics was the exponential one. The color variations at the end of the process were greater for the power of 15 W/g, which turned into a product of acceptable appearance, the taste was slightly more acidic, but the smell lasted very little.

JWST observations of the Horsehead photon-dominated region

Context. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured the sharpest infrared images ever taken of the Horsehead nebula, a prototypical moderately irradiated photon-dominated region (PDR) that is fully representative of most of the UV-illuminated molecular gas in the Milky Way and star-forming galaxies. Aims. We investigate the impact of far-ultraviolet (FUV) radiation emitted by a massive star on the edge of a molecular cloud in terms of photoevaporation, ionization, dissociation, H2 excitation, and dust heating. We also aim to constrain the structure of the edge of the PDR and its illumination conditions. Methods. We used NIRCam and MIRI to obtain 17 broadband and 6 narrowband maps of the illuminated edge of the Horsehead across a wide spectral range from 0.7 to 28 µm. We mapped the dust emission, including the aromatic and aliphatic infrared (IR) bands, scattered light, and several gas phase lines (e.g., Paa, Brα, H2 1-0 S(1) at 2.12 µm). For our analysis, we also associated two HST-WFC3 maps at 1.1 and 1.6 µm, along with HST-STIS spectroscopic observations of the Ha line. Results. We probed the structure of the edge of the Horsehead and resolved its spatial complexity with an angular resolution of 0.1 to 1″ (equivalent to 2 × 10−4 to 2 × 10−3 pc or 40 to 400 au at the distance of 400 pc). We detected a network of faint striated features extending perpendicularly to the PDR front into the HII region in NIRCam and MIRI filters sensitive to nano-grain emission, as well as in the HST filter at 1.1 µm, which traces light scattered by larger grains. This may indeed figure as the first detection of the entrainment of dust particles in the evaporative flow. The filamentary structure of the 1-0 S(1) line of H2 at the illuminated edge of the PDR presents numerous sharp sub-structures on scales as small as 1.5″. An excess of H2 emission compared to dust emission is found all along the edge, in a narrow layer (width around 1″, corresponding to 2 × 10−3 pc or 400 au) directly illuminated by σ-Orionis. The ionization front and the dissociation front appear at distances 1–2″ behind the external edge of the PDR and seem to spatially coincide, indicating a very small thickness of the neutral atomic layer (below 100 au). All broadband maps present strong color variations between the illuminated edge and the internal regions. This can be explained by dust attenuation in a scenario where the illuminating star σ-Orionis is slightly inclined compared to the plane of the sky, so that the Horsehead is illuminated from behind at an oblique angle. The deviations from predictions of the measured emissions in the Hα, Paα, and Brα lines also indicate dust attenuation. With a very simple model, we used the data to derive the main spectral features of the extinction curve. A small excess of extinction at 3 µm may be attributed to icy H2O mantles onto grains formed in dense regions. We also derived attenuation profiles from 0.7 to 25 µm across the PDR. In all lines of sight crossing the inner regions of the Horsehead, especially around the IR peak position, it appears that dust attenuation is non-negligible over the entire spectral range of the JWST.

Chromaticity of Gromwell, Cape jasmine Dyeing, and Effects of Zinc Oxide/Polyphenol Treatment with Copper Mordanting for UV Protection

To protect skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, there has been a resurgence in the use of natural dyes with metal mordants to reduce contamination by advanced chemicals. This study achieved natural dyeing in violet and yellow colors from Gromwell red roots and Cape jasmine seeds for UV-protective materials. The dyed fabrics were subjected to zinc oxide (ZnO) and polyphenol treatments, as well as copper post-mordanting. The SEM, TEM, and XRD tests showed that the ZnO nanoparticles, with hexagonal crystal structures, stuck to the fiber surfaces, and twisted strands resulted in the K/S reduction. First, this study found that the untreated cotton in violet, despite the highest K/S, faded the most intensely when exposed to UV. The color variation of untreated polyester was narrow, with little change in L, a*, and K/S. The color change of yellow-dyed samples treated with ZnO/polyphenol was not considerable in yellowness (b*: 28.838), while the violet fabrics displayed a significant decrease in K/S and an increase in b*. The combination of ZnO and polyphenol treatment improved UV absorption at 350 to 250 nm. Among the Cu-mordanted fabrics after ZnO/phenols treatment, the violet cotton turned reddish from blueish (negative to positive b*), with a hue change of 316° to 59° and the highest ΔE (25.90 ± 4.34) after UV exposure. In this study, the combination of ZnO/polyphenol with Cu-mordants allowed the Cape jasmine-dyed polyester to achieve a minimum ΔE as well as to keep its chroma and hue after UV exposure.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals transcriptional regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in purple radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Radish exhibits significant variation in color, particularly in sprouts, leaves, petals, fleshy roots, and other tissues, displaying a range of hues such as green, white, red, purple, and black. Although extensive research has been conducted on the color variation of radish, the underlying mechanism behind the variation in radish flower color remains unclear. To date, there is a lack of comprehensive research investigating the variation mechanism of radish sprouts, leaves, fleshy roots, and flower organs. This study aims to address this gap by utilizing transcriptome sequencing to acquire transcriptome data for white and purple radish flowers. Additionally, the published transcriptome data of sprouts, leaves, and fleshy roots were incorporated to conduct a systematic analysis of the regulatory mechanisms underlying anthocyanin biosynthesis in these four radish tissues. The comparative transcriptome analysis revealed differential expression of the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway genes DFR, UGT78D2, TT12 and CPC in the four radish tissues. Additionally, the WGCNA results identified RsDFR.9c and RsUGT78D2.2c as hub genes responsible for regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis. By integrating the findings from the comparative transcriptome analysis, WGCNA, and anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway-related gene expression patterns, it is hypothesized that genes RsDFR.9c and RsUGT78D2.2c may serve as pivotal regulators of anthocyanins in the four radish tissues. Furthermore, the tissue-specific expression of the four copies of RsPAP1 is deemed crucial in governing anthocyanin synthesis and accumulation. Our results provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of anthocyanin biosynthesis and accumulation in different tissues of radish.

Ratiometric fluorescence and colorimetric strategies for assessing activity of butyrylcholinesterase in human serum using g-C3N4 nanosheets, silver ion and o-phenylenediamine.

Ratiometric fluorescence and colorimetric strategies for detecting activity of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in human serum were developed by using g-C3N4 nanosheets, silver ion (Ag+) and o-phenylenediamine (OPD) as chromogenic agents. The oxidation-reduction reaction of OPD and Ag+ generates 2,3-diaminophenazine (oxOPD). Under exciation at 370nm, g-C3N4 nanosheets and oxOPD emit fluorescence at 440nm (F440) and 560nm (F560), respectively. Additionally, oxOPD exhibits quenching ability towards g-C3N4 nanosheets via photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process. Thiocholine (TCh), as a product of BChE-catalyzed hydrolysis reaction of butylthiocholine iodide (BTCh), can coordinate with Ag+ intensively, and consequently diminish the amount of free Ag+ in the testing system. Less amount of free Ag+ leads to less production of oxOPD, resulting in less fluorescence quenching towards g-C3N4 nanosheets as well as less fluorescence emission of oxOPD. Therefore, by using g-C3N4 nanosheets and oxOPD as fluorescence indicators, the intensity ratio of their fluorescence (F440/F560) was calculated and employed to evaluate the activity of BChE. Similarly, the color variation of oxOPD indicated by the absorbance at 420nm (ΔA420) was monitored for the same purpose. These strategies were validated to be sensitive and selective for detecting BChE activity in human serum, with limits of detection (LODs) of 0.1 U L-1 for ratiometric fluorescence mode and 0.7 U L-1 for colorimetric mode.

A national-scale assessment on the spatial and temporal variations in water color for urban lakes in China

Monitoring the variations of lake water quality is essential for urban water security and sustainable eco-environment health. However, it is challenging to investigate the water quality of urban lakes at large scales due to the need for large-amount in situ data with diverse optical properties for developing the remote sensing inversion algorithms. Forel-Ule Index (FUI), a proxy of quantifying water color, whose calculation does not require in situ data of specific properties, can comprehensively reflect water quality conditions. However, the spatial and temporal distribution of water color in Chinese urban lakes is still poorly understood. To fill this research gap, this study investigated the spatial distribution of water color in 523 urban lakes (area > 0.5 km2) in China using the FUI derived from the high-quality Multi-Spectral Instrument (MSI) data onboard Sentinel-2 during the ice-free period (April–October) from 2019 to 2022. The monthly and seasonal variation patterns of water color in urban lakes were also analyzed. Our results show that green domain is the most common color of urban lakes, with about 86 % of urban lakes in China being green, and non-green lakes accounting for only 14 % of the total number of lakes. The monthly variation of FUI in urban lakes across the country and multiple geographic regions is basically the same. The monthly average FUI first increases, then decreases, and then rebounds. We also found that the seasonal variation of water color in most urban lakes in southern and northern China is opposite. This study helps to comprehensively understand the spatial and temporal variation of water color and quality of urban lakes in China, providing key basic information for the protection and governance of urban lakes.

Coloration in Equine: Overview of Candidate Genes Associated with Coat Color Phenotypes.

Variation in coat color among equids has attracted significant interest in genetics and breeding research. The range of colors is primarily determined by the type, concentration, and distribution of melanin pigments, with the balance between eumelanin and pheomelanin influenced by numerous genetic factors. Advances in genomic and sequencing technologies have enabled the identification of several candidate genes that influence coat color, thereby clarifying the genetic basis of these diverse phenotypes. In this review, we concisely categorize coat coloration in horses and donkeys, focusing on the biosynthesis and types of melanin involved in pigmentation. Moreover, we highlight the regulatory roles of some key candidate genes, such as MC1R, TYR, MITF, ASIP, and KIT, in coat color variation. Moreover, the review explores how coat color relates to selective breeding and specific equine diseases, offering valuable insights for developing breeding strategies that enhance both the esthetic and health aspects of equine species.

CHARACTERISTICS OF BIRD EGGSHELL COLORATION DEPENDING ON NEST LOCATION

Based on the analysis of egg collections of different ecological groups of birds and various literature sources, a summary of scientific studies on morphological adaptations related to the color of eggshells in birds is given. Eggshell color in birds is a morphological adaptation with a masking function that depends on nesting conditions. The article examines egg collections of birds with an open nesting type: Eurasian skylark (ground-nesting), Eurasian chaffinch (crown-nesting), and Red-backed shrike (bush-nesting). The study confirmed the high variability of eggshell color in birds with an open nesting type, which allows clutches to be invisible which contributes to successful nesting. The correlation between the location of the nest and the color of the eggshells of the studied bird species was analyzed, and the peculiarities of this correlation were determined.

Recording thermal history of pork meat by self-coloration gel

For real-time dynamic quality evaluation of pork meat, the thermal accumulation monitoring for the entire period is essential. The research aims to develop a novel covalent organic framework (COF) gel capable of recording such information. The COF with self-responsive irreversible color change property was synthesized using benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxaldehyde, 2,5-diamino-1,4-benzenedithiol dihydrochloride and p-phthalaldehyde as monomers. The thermal accumulation was monitored based on the COF over a broad temperature range (−22 °C–55 °C), which covered the storage temperatures of the pork meat. The results were easily readable by series visible color variations (yellow, green, blue and dark blue) displayed by COF during the thermal accumulation monitoring in the temperature range (25 °C–55 °C) of study. At the lower temperature (−22 °C–4 °C), small variation of the thermal information can be effectively represented by quantitative analysis. The color change rates were in the order of k-22 °C < k4°C < k25 °C < k35 °C < k55 °C. The activation energy of reaction was 65.31 kJ mol−1. The indicator gel was prepared by the COF combining with carrageenan in pure aqueous medium. The potential application of the COF gel for real-time monitoring the dynamic quality change of pork samples was investigated. The response signals of the COF gel were well matched with the growth rate of microbe in pork meat. The proposed COF gel based thermal history indicator is promising for real-time monitoring dynamic quality changes of pork meat during the cold supply chain.

Close-range photogrammetry for analysis of rock relief details: An investigation of symbols purported to be Jewish Menorahs in Rough Cilicia

Close-range photogrammetry of certain rock reliefs in Rough Cilicia was used to investigate published claims that symbols in them represent Jewish menorahs, but with five branches instead of the usual seven. Details of ancient rock reliefs are difficult to assess because of mottled rock texture, color variation, wear or damage, and conditions of lighting. Thus, published photos of the rock reliefs in question are insufficient for evaluation of claims about them. Simple photogrammetry, however, produces 3D and digital elevation models that eliminate visual ambiguity and provide certainty of detail for analysis. This study describes the simple, non-invasive, and inexpensive data collection technique and the photogrammetry software processing workflow for creation of such models. Resulting models in various presentation formats provide factual data for reevaluation of the claimed menorahs themselves and their relationship to other elements of the reliefs. These findings contribute to informed discussion on interpretation of the symbols and their meaning. Adoption of the process described here is encouraged for subsequent publication, analysis, and interpretation of rock relief details in the region.

The Chromatin Organization Close to SNP rs12913832, Involved in Eye Color Variation, Is Evolutionary Conserved in Vertebrates.

The most significant genetic influence on eye color pigmentation is attributed to the intronic SNP rs12913832 in the HERC2 gene, which interacts with the promoter region of the contiguous OCA2 gene. This interaction, through the formation of a chromatin loop, modulates the transcriptional activity of OCA2, directly affecting eye color pigmentation. Recent advancements in technology have elucidated the precise spatial organization of the genome within the cell nucleus, with chromatin architecture playing a pivotal role in regulating various genome functions. In this study, we investigated the organization of the chromatin close to the HERC2/OCA2 locus in human lymphocyte nuclei using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) data. The 3 Mb of genomic DNA that belonged to the chromosomal region 15q12-q13.1 revealed the presence of three contiguous chromatin loops, which exhibited a different level of compaction depending on the presence of the A or G allele in the SNP rs12913832. Moreover, the analysis of the genomic organization of the genes has demonstrated that this chromosomal region is evolutionarily highly conserved, as evidenced by the analysis of syntenic regions in species from other Vertebrate classes. Thus, the role of rs12913832 variant is relevant not only in determining the transcriptional activation of the OCA2 gene but also in the chromatin compaction of a larger region, underscoring the critical role of chromatin organization in the proper regulation of the involved genes. It is crucial to consider the broader implications of this finding, especially regarding the potential regulatory role of similar polymorphisms located within intronic regions, which do not influence the same gene by modulating the splicing process, but they regulate the expression of adjacent genes. Therefore, caution should be exercised when utilizing whole-exome sequencing for diagnostic purposes, as intron sequences may provide valuable gene regulation information on the region where they reside. Thus, future research efforts should also be directed towards gaining a deeper understanding of the precise mechanisms underlying the role and mode of action of intronic SNPs in chromatin loop organization and transcriptional regulation.

A new synonym of Rhododendronleishanicum (subg. Hymenanthes) from China (Ericaceae).

Based on a critical examination of type specimens, images of living plants, and the literature has shown Rhododendronoligocarpum to be conspecific with R.leishanicum. Although slight variations in corolla colour exist amongst different populations of R.oligocarpum, it does not serve as a key distinguishing trait. Therefore, we reduced R.oligocarpum to a synonym of R.leishanicum, and recommend placing it in Subsection Maculifera.

Characterization and performance evaluation of colorimetric pH-sensitive indicator based on Ҡ-carrageenan/quince seed mucilage hydrogel as freshness/spoilage monitoring of rainbow trout fillet

The aim of research was to fabricate a novel indicator by using κ-carrageenan and quince seed mucilage (QSM) hydrogels and red cabbage anthocyanin. The porosity of the hydrogel was controlled using different ratios of κ-carrageenan(C):QSM(Q) (C90:Q10, C70:Q30, and C50:Q50). The hardness of hydrogels decreased from 28.6 ± 0.3 N for C90Q10 to 11.0 ± 1.0 N for C50Q50 sample. However, according to field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis, the C50R50 sample had the best morphology with smooth surface and uniform interconnected porous network. Hydrogen bonding interactions among anthocyanins, QSM, and κ-carrageenan were confirmed by Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The indicator showed a color variation from red to yellow over the pH range of 2–12. Also, the indicator exhibited high sensitivity to ammonia vapors (SRGB = 115%) and good color stability. The C50QRA indicator was used for monitoring rainbow trout fillet spoilage and revealed a visually-detectable color change from red to green upon detecting total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content produced throughout storage at 4 °C. Generally, the halochromic hydrogel developed in this research can be suggested as a more sensitive and accurate freshness indicator than conventional indicator solid supports.

Smartphone-based sensing and in vivo and in vitro imaging of Mn(VII) based on nitrogen-doped red fluorescent carbon dots.

Smartphone-assisted visual assay platform provides novel insight for the real-time in-field quantitation of intended analytes in resource-insufficient areas. Herein, nitrogen-doped red fluorescent (FL) carbon dots (R-CDs) were developed for the timely on-site quantitation of Mn(VII) using the smartphone-assisted assay platform. R-CDs, possessing a desirable bright red FL at 616 nm under a 470 nm excitation, were fabricated through hydrothermal treatment adopting passion fruit and neutral red as precursors. Interestingly, bright red FL at 616 nm are gradually quenched upon introducing Mn(VII) based on the inner filter effect, concurrently accompanying with significant FL color variation from bright red to dark red. Inspired by the above-mentioned phenomena, hue-saturation-values (HSV) of real-time captured images could be precisely quantified through a color recognition APP within the smartphone, of which the V/S values could be employed to quantify Mn(VII) with a linear range of 50-400 μM. Furthermore, confocal fluorescence imaging of HeLa cells and zebrafish larvae demonstrates that R-CDs could be employed for the visual determination of Mn(VII) in vivo and in vitro, illustrating that R-CDs possess powerful practical application prospect in biosystem.

Further Than Fur: Effects of Sex, Body Site, and Season on Hair Color and Hair Cortisol Concentration in Captive Addax nasomaculatus Antelopes

The Addax nasomaculatus is an African antelope currently considered “critically endangered”. There is little scientific knowledge about the species, which could potentially aid in species conservation. The objective of this study was to determine how hair cortisol concentration and hair color vary according to sex, body site, and season across a whole year in zoo-housed addax. The addax population was housed at Parque Lecocq Zoo, Uruguay. Hair samples were taken from the shoulder and rump in autumn, winter, spring, and summer. Hair cortisol concentration in addax varied according to sex, with males exhibiting a higher hair cortisol concentration than females (1.03 ± 0.05 pg/mg vs. 0.91 ± 0.05 pg/mg, p = 0.016, respectively), with these differences being more significant in the spring (p &lt; 0.0001). Hair cortisol concentration varied across seasons (p &lt; 0.0001), with maximum values observed in summer. The color parameters (L*, a*, and b*) varied across seasons (p &lt; 0.0001). The coat was blacker and yellower in winter and whiter in summer. Males had darker and greener hair color than females (p &lt; 0.05). Sex and season-driven variation in hair cortisol concentration and hair color seem to be important elements to consider in relation to thermal comfort and animal welfare in addax, highlighting the warmer seasons as critical.

Robust diagnosis and meta visualizations of plant diseases through deep neural architecture with explainable AI

Deep learning has emerged as a highly effective and precise method for classifying images. The presence of plant diseases poses a significant threat to food security. However, accurately identifying these diseases in plants is challenging due to limited infrastructure and techniques. Fortunately, the recent advancements in deep learning within the field of computer vision have opened up new possibilities for diagnosing plant pathology. Detecting plant diseases at an early stage is crucial, and this research paper proposes a deep convolutional neural network model that can rapidly and accurately identify plant diseases. Given the minimal variation in image texture and color, deep learning techniques are essential for robust recognition. In this study, we introduce a deep, explainable neural architecture specifically designed for recognizing plant diseases. Fine-tuned deep convolutional neural network is designed by freezing the layers and adjusting the weights of learnable layers. By extracting deep features from a down sampled feature map of a fine-tuned neural network, we are able to classify these features using a customized K-Nearest Neighbors Algorithm. To train and validate our model, we utilize the largest standard plant village dataset, which consists of 38 classes. To evaluate the performance of our proposed system, we estimate specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, and AUC. The results demonstrate that our system achieves an impressive maximum validation accuracy of 99.95% and an AUC of 1, making it the most ideal and highest-performing approach compared to current state-of-the-art deep learning methods for automatically identifying plant diseases.

Linseed and xanthan gum in algae pasta: textural, sensory and antioxidant characteristics

SummaryAlgae and field crops can innovate and improve pasta; however, incorporation of high‐fibre materials can weaken the protein‐starch matrix. This study's aim was to verify how ratios of xanthan gum (XG) and linseed flour (LF) would influence physical, sensory attributes and bioactivity of pasta supplemented with algae. Fucus vesiculosus and Chlorella vulgaris were incorporated into durum wheat along with LF or XG. Samples were evaluated for optimal cooking time (OCT), cooking loss, colour variation, texture profile analysis (TPA), sensory evaluation, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. XG increased cooking time and cooking loss. The phenolic content and antioxidant activity were highest in samples with LF. TPA showed texture is influenced by incorporation of algae. Sensory analysis showed that LF‐enriched pasta had better acceptance. Observations in biochemical composition and physical parameters revealed the potential to formulate dry or fresh pasta with a better nutritional content.

Reducing Production Defects in Indonesian Furniture Using Seven Tools and 5W+1H

PT. Romi Violeta, an Indonesian furniture company specializing in rattan and wood products, faces frequent production defects. This study aims to identify and reduce these defects using the Seven Tools and 5W+1H methods. Qualitative data were obtained through field observations and interviews, while quantitative data were gathered using the Seven Tools approach. From February to June 2022, color variation was the most frequent defect, with the highest defect rate in March at 26.5%. Root causes included factors related to man, material, machine, method, and environment. The proposed corrective actions aim to minimize these defects, enhancing overall product quality. Future research should explore additional defect causes using different methodologies. Highlight: Defect Analysis: Identified color variation as the most frequent defect. Root Causes: Man, material, machine, method, and environment factors. Corrective Actions: Proposed solutions to minimize defects and enhance quality. Keywoard: Production defects, Seven Tools, 5W+1H, quality improvement, furniture manufacturing

Barred, blotched or intermediate? A photographic-based survey on the spatial distribution of &lt;em&gt;Vipera aspis&lt;/em&gt; phenotypes from central-southern Italy

Variation in animal colouration, which holds ecological and evolutionary significance, is evident in snakes, including the polytypic and highly polymorphic asp viper Vipera aspis. This species, currently acknowledged with four subspecies, features three of them (V. a. aspis, V. a. francisciredi and V. a. hugyi) within the Italian territory, each displaying distinct dorsal patterns. Analysing 143 georeferenced photos from personal surveys and citizen science, the present study explores transition areas between V. a. francisciredi and V. a. hugyi, revealing the coexistence of three dorsal pattern phenotypes (i.e. francisciredi, hugyi, and intermediate) across central-southern Italy. The outcome of the work reveals occurrences of francisciredi phenotypes considerably beyond the southern limit indicated in recent literature. Remarkably, intermediate phenotypes cover a significant portion of southern Italy, including Apulia (three records), Basilicata (six records) and Campania (three records) regions, and overlapping with both hugyi and francisciredi ranges. These findings suggest asymmetrical gene flow from northern to southern populations, resembling patterns observed in other reptiles. The intricate distribution of colour phenotypes underscores the necessity for molecular investigations to comprehend the genetic context and evolutionary history of V. aspis populations from central-southern Italy.