Peacock colour change

[JokerGirl]

My Peacock just came out of her first molt with me unscathed (thankfully).

On top of beginning to grow back one of her antennal scales, she is no longer brown, but is almost the stunning emerald green that you find in males.

Is it normal to have such a dramatic colour change?

Sorry for the flash... was having a hard time getting a photo of her.

[DanInSD]

Yes, color changes are common following molts (much more common than between them!!). From what I understand it has to do with lighting -- green for brighter environments, rust for darker.

Dan

[JokerGirl]

That's really interesting to know. I knew that colour changes were possible in the Mantids, I just didn't realize how much of a dramatic change it would be.

[Gonodactylus]

Color change is much more common in Pseudosquilla and some gonodactylids. It is usually not as dramatic in O. scyllarus except with age. I have seen a few emerald green females and they have always reverted to olive in captivity. We have no idea the role that light plays in color change in this species. Nutrition does seem to play some role.

Roy

[DanInSD]

Ah, the mysteries. Thanks as always, Dr. Roy.

Dan

[JokerGirl]

Originally posted by Gonodactylus
Color change is much more common in Pseudosquilla and some gonodactylids. It is usually not as dramatic in O. scyllarus except with age. I have seen a few emerald green females and they have always reverted to olive in captivity. We have no idea the role that light plays in color change in this species. Nutrition does seem to play some role.

Roy

Very interesting. So would you say that the green is a lack of needed nutrition or an abundance of nutrition? I would think that green pigments would take more energy to produce than browns. This mantis is at least 5-6" long, so she should be pretty ripe with age.

Either way, I guess I will enjoy the green while I can. It would be interesting to see if I can get her to maintain the green (as long as it is a sign of health).