Melanomas in "black snakes"

[ConcinusMan]

That's interesting because melanoma in humans is caused by excessive exposure to UV light.

exactly. UV is the cause, not the cure. I wouldn't use UV for garters at all, although a weak output such as reptisun 2.0 probably doesn't hurt anything as long as the snakes can hide from the exposure.

Another thing that doesn't make any sense is that black snakes are LESS vulnerable to skin cancers, not MORE vulnerable. Black is melanin. Melanin protects cells from UV/radiation damage. Albinos have no such protection and will develop cancer and/or blindness from long term UV exposure.

I would seriously look into the lighting. Excessive UV is the ONLY cause if this is truley melanoma cancer

[Stefan-A]

Another thing that doesn't make any sense is that black snakes are LESS vulnerable to skin cancers, not MORE vulnerable. Black is melanin. Melanin protects cells from UV/radiation damage.

Apparently melanin makes animals susceptible to skin cancer caused by UVA, while it protects against skin cancer caused be UVB and UVC.