ABS 2023
Search
Camouflage and seasonal color variation in a polymorphic praying mantis
Drielly Queiroga1,2, Kleber Del-Claro2, Nathan Morehouse1. 1University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States; 2Universidade Federal de Uberlandia, Uberlandia, MG, Brazil

Praying mantises are renowned for their camouflage. However, this reputation is largely based on human perception, rather than evidence from ecologically relevant observers. Here we show how Metaphotina bimaculata, a polymorphic praying mantis of the Brazilian savanna, employs camouflage, and how its color variation aids in navigating a dynamic seasonal environment. We tracked a population for one year and took spectral reflectance measurements from the three major color morphs. We assessed their preferred background with choice experiments using natural substrates. Using color vision models, we estimated how natural enemies and prey perceive the mantis' body color against the background, employing chromatic contrast to assess crypsis. Color morphs were distributed unequally during the year, with green morphs most abundant in the wet season and brown ones in the dry season. In choice experiments, brown and green morphs preferred matching substrates, indicating an adaptive strategy for enhanced camouflage, a result further supported by our color vision modeling. Our study demonstrates how seasonal color polymorphism enhances camouflage in a dynamic environmental context.