The Power of Color

We might look at a colorful animal and think “Oooh, pretty!” But for many creatures, bold colors are crucial survival tools. Take blue-footed boobies. These seabirds aren’t born with electric-blue feet. There/Their/They’re feet turn blue over time, thanks to all the fish they eat. The more fish, the bluer the feet. And these flashy feet aren’t just for show—there/their/they’re important for breeding. During mating season, females look for male birds with the bluest feet because it means there/their/they’re healthy and well-fed.

Poison frogs use color for protection. These tiny, colorful creatures secrete powerful toxins through there/their/they’re skin. As with many other brightly colored animals, the color warns, “Stay away! I’m dangerous!”

Most poison frogs are toxic enough to sicken—but not kill—an animal that eats them. This way, the animal won’t try again with another frog. But some frog species are extremely toxic. There/Their/They’re is enough poison inside a single golden poison frog, for instance, to kill two elephants!

Some creatures, like orchid mantises, use color to help them catch prey. With there/their/they’re pink-and-white coloring and petal-like limbs, these peculiar insects look just like an orchid. Other bugs land right next to the mantis, thinking it’s a harmless flower. Once an unsuspecting bug lands there/their/they’re, the mantis strikes, snatching up its meal at lightning speed. Gotcha!