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Mantophasmatodea (Heelwalkers):
colour polymorphism
A number of species exhibit colour
polymorphism with specimens in the same population varying dramatically in
colour. For example, the population of Austrophasma caledonensis from
near Caledon (South Africa) contains specimens that range from brown through
green and white to green and cerise, and the populations of Austrophasma
gansbaaiensis and Lobophasma redelinghuysensis can have both green
and brown morphs. There is excellent substrate matching, as species with green
morphs all occupy the more mesic fynbos vegetation, and the grey or drab brown
morphs occur in the more arid succulent Karoo. Both males and females exhibit
all colour morphs. Camouflage is important for these small predators, who
themselves are vulnerable to attack by various Karoo birds, lizards, and other
insects such as predaceous katydids (Hemiclonia) which occur in the same
microhabitat.
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Nymphs of the four different colour morphs present in the
same population of Austrophasma caledonensis from the southern Cape near
Caledon. Photos © Simon
van Noort/Iziko
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Colour morphs of Lobophasma
redelinghuysensis. Photos © Mike Picker
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The two colour morphs present in the
same population of Austrophasma gansbaaiensis from Grootbos. Photos ©
Mike Picker
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Web page development and text by Simon
van Noort (Iziko South African Museum) and Mike
Picker (University of Cape Town) |
