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Spectrocolourimetry visualized differences in sexual skin colouration in macaques
Eiri Ono1, Juri Suzuki, Takafumi Ishida
1Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Summary
Japanese macaques exhibit redder and darker sexual skin than rhesus macaques, with differences potentially linked to melanin content. Spectrocolourimetry quantifies these distinct sexual skin colorations in Macaca fuscata and Macaca mulatta.
Area of Science:
- Primate reproductive biology
- Comparative anatomy and physiology
- Colorimetry and spectrophotometry
Background:
- Sexual skin transformations are observed in female catarrhines, particularly macaques.
- Quantitative analysis of sexual skin color differences between Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) and rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively analyze and compare the sexual skin coloration of Japanese macaques and rhesus macaques.
- To investigate seasonal variations in sexual skin color between the non-mating season (NMS) and mating season (MS).
- To explore the potential histophysiological basis of observed color differences.
Main Methods:
- Spectrocolourimetric measurements of sexual skin color in both species during NMS and MS.
- Representation of color data in CIELAB space using L*, a*, and b* variables.
- Statistical comparison of color parameters between species and seasons.
Main Results:
- Japanese macaques displayed significantly redder (higher a*) and darker (lower L*) sexual skin compared to rhesus macaques.
- Seasonal variations were observed, with MS showing altered color parameters in both species.
- Lower L* values in Japanese macaques suggest higher dermal melanin content.
Conclusions:
- Japanese and rhesus macaques possess distinct sexual skin colorations despite their close relation.
- Spectrocolourimetry is an effective tool for quantifying primate sexual skin color and inferring underlying physiological differences.
- Color differences may relate to variations in dermal melanin and play a role in primate sexual signaling.
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