Oak
Member
I have heard people say that spiny flower mantis can change color depending on what color their surroundings are made of. Is this true?
Color change
- Thread starter Oak
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MantisGalore
Well-known member
It is just a theory that many keepers have. It has yet to be proven scientifically.
happy1892
Well-known member
aNisip
Well-known member
This idea/topic has been brought up and discussed across many forums and breeders. From my personal husbandry experience and reading discussions (similar to what happy1892 posted) it is predominantly environmental. While genetics may play a role, the environment plays a bigger role.
However when you ask "...can change color..." it is understood that a mantis can't really change color (like the immediate color change in chameleons or Cephalopods). However, usually the only time a mantis changes color is gradually over time (over several molts) but in some species a few days after their latest molt, which is most predominant after their final molt, like in orchid mantids, Hymenopus coronatus or giant devil's flower mantids, Idolomantis diabolica the color change can seem more immediate.
In summation, yes it is possible for some species' of mantids to change color based on their environmental conditions/surroundings.
Cheers,
Andrew
However when you ask "...can change color..." it is understood that a mantis can't really change color (like the immediate color change in chameleons or Cephalopods). However, usually the only time a mantis changes color is gradually over time (over several molts) but in some species a few days after their latest molt, which is most predominant after their final molt, like in orchid mantids, Hymenopus coronatus or giant devil's flower mantids, Idolomantis diabolica the color change can seem more immediate.
In summation, yes it is possible for some species' of mantids to change color based on their environmental conditions/surroundings.
Cheers,
Andrew
Oak
Member
after putting in some pinkish flowers, my spiny flower mantises' legs changed color to light red
guapoalto049
Well-known member
Here's my experience with flower mimics:
Hymenopus and Pseudocreobotra on pink flowers with indoor lighting all ended up white. Outside during the summer months on pink flowers in the garden in natural light the majority turned pink-ish the next molt.
Hymenopus and Pseudocreobotra on pink flowers with indoor lighting all ended up white. Outside during the summer months on pink flowers in the garden in natural light the majority turned pink-ish the next molt.
