Perch color preference in juvenile green tree pythons, Chondropython viridis
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1994 |
Authors: |
Clay M. Garrett, Brian E. Smith |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
coloration, crypticity |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430130106.abs Green tree pythons, Chondropython viridis, are polymorphic for color as juveniles, commonly being primarily yellow or brown until becoming mostly green at about 1 year of age. We tested the hypothesis that the different morphs arose as a result of selection for differential background matching, yellow morphs selecting light-colored backgrounds, and brown morphs selecting dark-colored backgrounds. Twelve yellow and eight brown morphs were placed repeatedly in individual testing enclosures and allowed to choose between black and white or yellow and brown halves of a t-perch. Trials showed that both color morphs preferred dark over light perches. We tentatively suggest that individuals chose dark-colored perches for purposes of concealment. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.