8 animals that can  change colour

Discover eight fascinating  animals that have the  remarkable ability to  change colour.

Animals can change  colour through various  mechanisms depending  on the species.

The Arctic hare  (Lepus arcticus) changes  colour from brown or grey  to white in winter. This  change in its fur is believed  to be connected to the  amount of daylight it gets.

Crab spiders are known  for their ability to change  colour to blend in with  their surroundings. This camouflage helps them avoid predators and ambush prey.

The green chameleon can  change its colour to adapt to  different situations. It uses  special skin cells called  chromatophores to shift  colours, which helps it  blend into the environment.

Seahorses can change  colour to blend in with their  surroundings. This helps  them camouflage among  seaweed and coral, making  it harder for predators to  spot them.

The Cyanea octopus can  alter its colour to match its  environment. By adjusting  the pigments and textures  of its skin, it can blend  seamlessly with its  surroundings, such as  rocks and coral.

Pacific tree frogs can alter  their colour to blend into  different environments. By  adjusting the pigments in  their skin, they can change  from green to brown or  grey, depending on  their surroundings.

Like many cephalopods,  the mimic octopus has  chromatophores that  change its colour. By expanding or contracting these cells, it can blend into its surroundings.

Cuttlefish change colour  by adjusting pigment cells  called chromatophores and  light-reflecting cells called  iridophores. This helps them  blend into their surroundings  and communicate.