I was thinking...

[tHeGiNo]

Is there any reason why GTP and ETB start off red and yellow? Is it possibly some kind of biological advantage? Also, how and what makes the colour change? Just a few thinks I was wondering, any help is appreciated.

[Invictus]

You would think that being so brightly colored would be a rather distinct DISadvantage, especially because they don't hide... they are pretty much out in the open. I have often wondered this myself. :)

[marisa]

I'd LOVE to hear some ideas why!!!!

Looking at my GTP and seeing how long it is taking his change, I also wonder why some take years (like Biaks) in some cases to change, but then you have the ones that seem to fully change in less than a week, or even a couple days. It's so weird. I'd love to hear any speculation even.

Marisa

[tHeGiNo]

Anyone have ideas? For my own interest, what do they eat in the wild. Exact species would be great.

[AshleyL]

I definetly don't know anything about it, but maybe their colouration is a defense mechanism? Since they're so small and vulnerable, maybe they're pulling the fake poinsonous trick (bright colouration can mean poisonous to eat)??? and therefore potential predators would avoid them? just a thought. I would really like to know too! I have often thought of this myself.

[m1k3_88]

wild guess, but maybe they perch in like fruit trees, and try and blend in with the fruit:confused:

[tHeGiNo]

Thats funny, I was thinking something along the same lines. I was thinking possibly they want to resemble colourful foliage to attract birds, one of their prey items.

[BOAS_N_PYTHONS]

THEGINO:

I study alot on animals and GTP and ETB are some of the best I like seeing this progress where color transformation has a survival purpose. Be it camaflouge to hide in the trees with the flowers or fruit - or more the express dangerous colors to predators. Basically most animals learn through there parents that bright colored animals are dangerous and may have venom. Bright reds, yellows and oranges especially would convince predators of this. GTP and ETB at this time in there life are such easy pickings for birds and any snake eating animals. Although I do not know if being green as babies which some are at birth has the same understanding unless the location they are in that green stands out still.

Once as adults in green phase or the many morphs of it, I figure they can defend themselves more but as babies the high bright colors I think is more defensive survival quality they need.

Cya....

Tony

[tHeGiNo]

Awesome Tony, I should have thought of that myself. Thank you.