Peninsular Rock Agama displaying its signature, striking orange colour. Image clicked at the Hyderabad Collective, Bodakonda, Telangana.

The colouration of wild species can take a lifetime to explore in-depth! However, certain common phenomena displayed by animals, birds, insects & amphibians can give us insights into their behaviour & defence mechanisms. Let’s explore what these ‘colourful’ phenomena are and how species use them to survive and grow.

Aposematic Colouration

Aposematic coloration is a form of warning coloration in the animal kingdom. It refers to the bright, conspicuous, and often striking colours or patterns displayed by certain species to warn potential predators that they are toxic, dangerous, or unpalatable. These colours serve as a visual signal to ward off predators from attempting to prey on them, as the predators associate the vibrant coloration with an unpleasant or harmful experience.

This phenomenon in wild species is an excellent example of how evolution has shaped the appearance of certain species for survival against potential threats, thereby reducing the likelihood of being attacked or consumed.

We have come across quite a few of such strikingly coloured species at our Beforest Collectives. The most commonly seen one at the Hyderabad Collective is the peninsular Rock Agama, crawling across the several rocks present at the collective during all times of the year. In the Poomaale Collective in Coorg, nestled in the Western Ghats – a biodiversity hotspot, we have come across many unique endemic and non-endemic species that display such stark colours and patterns. Some of them include the Malabar Pit Viper, that boasts a green body adorned with vivid yellow, orange, or reddish spots; the Malabar Gliding Frog, an arboreal inhabitant of the region, features bright green and yellow hues, webbed feet, and large eyes; Indian Coral Snake, with black yellow and red bands signalling high venomosity; and the Millipede Assassin Bug with its blue, red and yellow colours.

Camouflage

Camouflage is a survival strategy employed by various species to avoid detection by predators or prey, allowing them to blend into their surroundings and remain hidden. Camouflaged animals and plants have developed adaptations that make them difficult to spot, helping them evade predators, sneak up on prey, or simply go unnoticed in their environment. It is a fascinating adaptation that has evolved in response to survival against predation and the need to remain concealed in the environment. 

We have come across (with great difficulty) a few interesting camouflaging species in our forest-friendly collectives. At the Hyderabad Collective, we have sighted camouflaging pollinators visiting our growing food forests, including the leaf butterfly and yellow grasshopper. In the Poomaale Collective, where the camouflage metre is high in the dense rainforests of the western ghats, we have frequently spotted green vine snakes, green praying mantises and the Indian stick insects skilfully blending into the wild.

Polymorphism

Polymorphism is a phenomenon in biology where a population of a species exhibits multiple distinct forms, or morphs, within the same species. These different forms can vary in colour, pattern, size, or other characteristics. Polymorphism can be influenced by genetic, environmental, or a combination of factors. It often provides an advantage in adapting to diverse environments, evading predators, or finding mates. It is a fascinating aspect of biology that enables the coexistence of multiple distinct forms within a single species.

While we are yet to explore the spectrum of polymorphism at Beforest Collectives, we have found glimpses of it at the Poomaale Collective. We have spotted vines snakes in both green and yellow colours, some with pattern and some patternless. The Malabar pit viper also appeared in green and yellow colours in monsoon and winter seasons respectively. The Red giant snail of India, Indrella Ampulla is a common sight in our collective, while its yellow (and rare) morph can be spotted in the same region towards the southern sides.

Gender Varying Colouration

Gender variation in colouration, also known as sexual dichromatism or sexual dimorphism, is a phenomenon in which males and females of a species display different colours, patterns, or physical traits. This distinction is often related to the roles each gender plays in reproduction, such as attracting mates or identifying their own kind. In many bird species, sexual dimorphism in coloration is particularly pronounced, with males and females exhibiting striking differences in appearance. One of the more common examples of this type of colour variation is birds. Male birds mostly display vibrant colours to impress the females and find the desired mate. 

The coloration phenomena sheds light on adaptation, survival, and evolution. From warning colours to stealthy camouflage, genetic diversity, and the aesthetics of mate attraction, these coloration strategies reveal the intricate dance of life in the natural world. Exploring these hues enriches our understanding of biodiversity and underscores the interconnectedness of species, highlighting the profound mechanisms that have shaped life on our planet.