7 incredible animals that change colour — and why they do it

Crab Spiders

Crab Spiders, also called flower spiders area species of spider that change colours. According to the WIRED Magazine, they can shift between white and yellow to camouflage while ambushing prey on flowers. However, many researchers claim that this color change does not necessarily increase their hunting. The reason for color change remains uncertain.

Cyanea Octopus

This species of octopus are remarkable for color changing abilities. These species use specialised skin cells called chromatophores to alter their appearance. They change their color to camouflage, communicate and stay away from predators. According to National Geographic, these changes are controlled by the nervous system, which allows octopuses to blend seamlessly in their surroundings.

Cuttlefish

As per National Geographic, Cuttlefish are known for rapidly changing colour and texture using chromatophores. This helps them to blend into their environments and communicate. They can evaluate the hue, contrast, and feel of their environment and replicate it within moments, even when there is no light. This skill helps them in evading predators and in catching prey.

Chameleon

According to WIRED, chameleons change colour for thermoregulation and communication rather than camouflage contrary to popular belief. They modify their skin pigmentation to either absorb or reflect heat, helping with temperature control. Moreover, shifts in color communicate messages to other chameleons, indicating dominance or readiness to mate.

Golden Tortoise Beetle

The golden tortoise beetle displays a remarkable shift in colour from bright gold to muted brown or red when threatened. This alteration occurs because fluids shift within its elytra (the covers of its wings), which influences how light is reflected. This change in color might function as a defense strategy, shocking potential predators or indicating that it is not edible.

Pacific Tree Frog

Pacific tree frogs have the ability to alter their skin colouration from green to brown and back again over the course of several hours or days. According to Earth.com, this ability in them helps to blend into varying environments, camouflage and stay away from predators. The alteration in color is affected by elements such as the background hue, brightness levels, and temperature.

Flounders

Flounders have the incredible capability to modify the colour and pattern of their skin to blend in with the sea floor, assisting in their camouflage. They accomplish this through unique skin cells known as chromatophores, which can expand or contract to change their color. This adaptation allows them to evade predators and surprise their prey.

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