Why does a cooler temperature make a ghost mantis dark?

[Cassani98]

Why does cool temperature and high humidity make a ghost mantis dark??

 

[Cassani98]

My ghost mantises turned out to be a darker color using cool temperature and high humidity. On websites, it says they are supposed to turn lighter?

Im confused. The website can be a myth. btw. really high humidity and room temperature HAS BEEN PROVEN to change a ghost mantis lighter.

 

[patrickfraser]

I have ghosts of all colors all kept the same. Go figure that one. Could it be genetics?

 

[Cassani98]

hm.. I have ghost mantises in three tanks. Each of the tanks have their own individual colors. so i didn't get your results.

It is genetics, humidity, and temperature that play roles.

 

[patrickfraser]

well then it's MAINLY genetics with mine, because like I said I keep them all in the same conditions, they are fed at the same time, and they get misted at the same time. I use the same enclosures and keep them all in the same area. I can't say that temp and humidity don't play a part, but i get more green ghosts from a green female and the black ghosts from a black female.

 

[agent A]

My best guess is that if its cooler and more humid, the ghost thinks its closer to the forest floor (less light and moist soil) so it feels the need to mimic dead leaves

Or genetics as well

 

[Cassani98]

Oh. for mine, I have 1 controlled tank and 2 manipulated. They are kept in different conditions.

 

[patrickfraser]

Then you can speak more to the environmental aspect of it. I don't have the variables you have.

 

[psyconiko]

My ghost mantises turned out to be a darker color using cool temperature and high humidity. On websites, it says they are supposed to turn lighter?

Im confused. The website can be a myth. btw. really high humidity and room temperature HAS BEEN PROVEN to change a ghost mantis lighter.

It has not been proven at all.

 

[Cassani98]

It has not been proven at all.

Um.. actually I just proved it with an experiment. They ALL turned LIGHT brown.

Maybe you mean actual scientists haven't proved it, but I just did.

 

[patrickfraser]

Good luck with your further experimentation and may you get all the results you desire.

 

[Cassani98]

Good luck with your further experimentation and may you get all the results you desire.

thanks!! The science fair is tomorrow.... :3 wish me luck

 

[patrickfraser]

Good luck. :clover:

 

[Precarious]

Best of luck but many have tried before you and proven nothing except the randomness of the outcome.

 

[Cassani98]

Yeah. But luckily, the judges probably don't know anything about these species.

 

[Cassani98]

Then explain why I have 3 tanks. Each of the tanks have their own individual color. They are all from the same parents.

Example:

Tank 1- they are all dark brown

Tank 2- they are all light brown

Tank 3- light/brown

 

[Mr. Hyde]

Yeah. But luckily, the judges probably don't know anything about these species.

They may not, but they do know the scientific theory, and that you did not prove your hypothesis. you simply had results that ruled in your favor... I hate to say, but seeing as I am not the first, you didn't actually prove anything. But it sounds like a really fun experiment, and I do hope you found the key to manipulating Ghosts' colors, because a lot of people would like to achieve desired colors....

 

[Orin]

Cassani, I'm curious if there are other variables in your cages affecting the outcomes. Do you have photos and exact parameters described? What type of perches are in the cages? Did you test for humidity and temperature separately?

Don't worry about the people who tell you they don't think mantis coloration is affected by the external environment. I'm guessing since it is often difficult to manipulate to specific ends they prefer to ignore the research and results of others.

 

[Orin]

..and that you did not prove your hypothesis. you simply had results that ruled in your favor...

Her experimental results are void for what reason? What was the original hypothesis and if you don't know, how do you know what was proved or not? Consider calling in Dr. Jekyll.