Did You Know About These Animals That Can Change Colours?

OT Staff

Chameleon

Renowned for its ability to change skin colour, the chameleon uses this skill for camouflage, communication, and temperature regulation. Its colour-changing ability is controlled by adjusting cells called chromatophores.

A Chameleon in its habitat | Shutterstock

Mimic Octopus

This extraordinary sea creature can change both its colour and shape to mimic other marine animals, such as lionfish, flatfish, and sea snakes. It can avoid predators and catch prey by blending into its surroundings.

A Mimic Octopus in the waters of Indonesia | Shutterstock

Pacific Tree Frog

Known for its ability to change colour based on temperature, humidity, and season, the Pacific tree frog uses its colour-changing ability for camouflage and communication. It ranges from bright green to brown.

A look at a Pacific Tree Frog | Shutterstock

Golden Tortoise Beetle

This beetle is capable of changing its colour from gold to red when it feels threatened or during mating. The change is due to liquid layer adjustments beneath its transparent outer shell, revealing the red pigmentation.

A close-up of a Golden Tortoise Beetle | Shutterstock

Seahorse

Seahorses can change colour to blend into their surroundings, a valuable skill for avoiding predators and hunting prey. This ability also plays a role in courtship, as they can display vibrant colours to attract mates.

A West Australian long snout seahorse | Shutterstock

Arctic Hare

This remarkable mammal changes its fur colour from brown or grey in the summer to white in the winter, providing effective camouflage in varying seasonal environments. The colour change helps them avoid predators year-round.

A cute close-up of an Arctic Hare | Shutterstock

Cuttlefish

Often called the "chameleons of the sea," cuttlefish can rapidly change colour and pattern to communicate, hunt, and camouflage themselves. They use specialized cells called chromatophores and iridophores to achieve these rapid changes.

Broadclub cuttlefish swimming in the sea of Japan | Shutterstock

Flounder

Flounders can change their colour to match the ocean floor, allowing them to blend in seamlessly and avoid predators. This camouflage technique is incredibly effective and activated by their environment's visual cues.

A Flounder in its habitat | Shutterstock

Anole

These small lizards change colour based on their mood, light levels, and social signals. Anoles can shift from green to brown, helping them communicate with other anoles and blend into their environment to avoid threats.

A close-up of an Anole | Shutterstock

Gray Tree Frog

Known for its colour-changing abilities, the grey tree frog can alter its skin tone to match its surroundings, aiding in camouflage. This ability also helps with temperature regulation, making it an adaptive survivor in various climates.

A shot of a Gray Tree Frog climbing a tree | Shutterstock

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