SW observation 3

The Spectacled Weaver is from Mozambique. This particular organism is male. Male Spectacled Weavers build an ornate woven nest to attract mates. They are identified as male through coloring on the throat area.

The Fulgoridae is a Planthopper found in the tropics. There are more than 12,000 that have exaggerated head shapes! The function of color in each species varies as does the function of adaptations in head size. According to NCSU Insect museum: "Many fulgorids have enlarged head processes (that often look like a big nose, though they are really just an extension of the back of their head), which were once though to produce light." Crazy!

The Veiled Chameoleon is famously known for adapting to natural surroundings to escape predators or come close to their prey. When researchers remove the skin and organs for clearing and staining (preservation) purposes, the muscles transform into a transparent surface. Researchers in the Field Museum used dye solutions to color the bones red and cartilage blue. Above (in order) are the Spectacled Weaver, Planthopper (Fulgoridae), and Veiled chameoleon. Each are colorful and use color to express different things. I am interested in the color of organisms and the function of color on these organisms. Color can display a warning to predators, a tool to camouflage into natural surroundings, biological functions for living/adapting or to attract mates. I find it fascinating the various animals that have color and adaptation features in common even across boundaries of species, order, etc.