Orange color morphs

Gonodactylus · 08/14/2017, 05:26 PM

Today I had a bright orange G. glabrous molt to a green pattern. It got me thinking about why some species show this color. I've seen orange morphs in two familes and 3 genera: Pseudosquilla ciliata, Gonodactylaceus glabrous, G. falcatus, and Neogonodactylus bahiahondensis and N. wennerae. I think they are always females, but other habitat variables don't explain why a few individuals express this color.

Roy

Bobbitworm13 · 08/14/2017, 07:20 PM

Interesting and beautiful mantis

Kharn · 08/15/2017, 04:45 PM

Curious stuff!

Have you ever kept an individual for an 'extended period' in a single color tank (like all red) and observed the results (or heard of it being done), I've always wondered if environment can play into coloration?

Mr. Manty · 08/16/2017, 07:55 AM

I too would like to know about environment affecting color

Gonodactylus · 08/16/2017, 08:32 AM

We have looked at the effect of background color and pattern in Pseudosquilla ciliata which seems to be the species that most changes color and pattern. Solid colors that can be matched are green, yellow, cream, and black. Adding vertical stripes to the sides of the aquarium causes the animal to develop a light stripe down the middle of its back.

I haven't conducted experiments like these on gonodactylids but collecting them from different habitats and depths certainly suggests that color is influenced by visual input.

Roy

Mr. Manty · 08/16/2017, 09:23 PM

i would be curious to see what becomes of a ciliata with no eyes

Gonodactylus · 08/17/2017, 08:25 AM

They turn a pale cream color.

Roy

Mr. Manty · 08/18/2017, 10:58 AM

Didn't actually expect an answer for that one!

Very interesting,
thank you!

08/15/2017, 04:45 PM	#3
Kharn MANTISMAN Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Gonodak Posts: 4,003	Curious stuff! Have you ever kept an individual for an 'extended period' in a single color tank (like all red) and observed the results (or heard of it being done), I've always wondered if environment can play into coloration? __________________ The arrogance of man is thinking nature is in their control and not the other way around, nature has an order, a power to restore balance...I believe he is that power.

08/14/2017, 07:20 PM	#2
Bobbitworm13 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Russell Springs, KY Posts: 330	Interesting and beautiful mantis

08/16/2017, 07:55 AM	#4
Mr. Manty Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Posts: 194	I too would like to know about environment affecting color

08/16/2017, 08:32 AM	#5
Gonodactylus Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Berkeley, CA, USA Posts: 5,024	We have looked at the effect of background color and pattern in Pseudosquilla ciliata which seems to be the species that most changes color and pattern. Solid colors that can be matched are green, yellow, cream, and black. Adding vertical stripes to the sides of the aquarium causes the animal to develop a light stripe down the middle of its back. I haven't conducted experiments like these on gonodactylids but collecting them from different habitats and depths certainly suggests that color is influenced by visual input. Roy

08/16/2017, 09:23 PM	#6
Mr. Manty Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Posts: 194	i would be curious to see what becomes of a ciliata with no eyes

08/17/2017, 08:25 AM	#7
Gonodactylus Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Berkeley, CA, USA Posts: 5,024	They turn a pale cream color. Roy

08/18/2017, 10:58 AM	#8
Mr. Manty Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Posts: 194	Didn't actually expect an answer for that one! Very interesting, thank you!