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. Thiscamouflage helps themavoid predators andambush 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. Byexpanding or contractingthese cells, it can blendinto 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.