Leopard Colour

Hi,
This is also on the 'leopard tort' section of species thread as well but as this could be health related thought I'd copy it on here as well.

I am sure that Lola the leopard has become much darker (almost black) on head, neck and legs since I first adopted her in July. So please could you tell me if torts do this or is it a medical issue or something I'm not doing right?
I don't think she's as old as 10 as originally believed - the guy in the rep shop who used to keep leopards said that the size I described10 inches) would only make her about 2-3 years so do torts go through changes of colour as they get older?

Maybe I'm just an over anxious mum but all advice gratefully received.
Lyn W

I've never noticed a sudden change in skin color over that short of a time span, but yes their skin tends to darken as they get older.

Do you have any comparative pictures you could show us?

Sometimes the substrate can discolor their skin.

Thanks both I will take a photo tomorrow so you can compare with my sign in picture which I took of her last July
Regards
Lyn