Reversible colour change in Arthropoda.

Area of Science:

• Zoology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Reversible color change in arthropods is diverse, influenced by their exoskeleton.
• Physiological color changes (90 species) involve microstructure/pigment movement or refractive index alterations.
• Morphological color changes (31 species) involve pigment synthesis or degradation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diversity of reversible color change mechanisms in arthropods.
• To explore the evolutionary context and diversity of taxa exhibiting color change.
• To discuss proposed functions and current data limitations, advocating for phylogenetic approaches.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of physiological and morphological color change mechanisms.
• Analysis of documented arthropod species exhibiting reversible color change.
• Synthesis of proposed functions and ecological/behavioral data.

Main Results:

• Physiological changes are rapid, involving pigment/microstructure positioning or refractive index shifts.
• Morphological changes are slower, involving pigment synthesis or breakdown.
• Color change observed across diverse arthropod taxa.

Conclusions:

• Reversible color change in arthropods is multifaceted, with distinct physiological and morphological strategies.
• Further research needs phylogenetically controlled studies to understand evolutionary pathways.
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration is crucial for advancing the study of arthropod color change.