Orange color morphs

[Gonodactylus]

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]

Interesting and beautiful mantis

 

[Kharn]

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]

I too would like to know about environment affecting color

 

[Gonodactylus]

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]

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

 

[Gonodactylus]

They turn a pale cream color.

Roy

 

[Mr. Manty]

Didn't actually expect an answer for that one!

Very interesting,
thank you!