On our colorful planet, there are countless animal species with vibrant appearances that attract every gaze. Selecting the “beauty champions” in the animal kingdom is indeed a challenging task.
1. Coracias caudatus
The lilac-breasted roller (Coracias caudatus), also known as the red-breasted roller or black-winged roller, is a bird species belonging to the Coraciidae family. This bird is widely distributed across Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean region.
Often seen alone or in pairs, it perches visibly on treetops, poles, or other high vantage points from which it can spot insects, lizards, scorpions, snails, small birds, and ground-moving rodents.
The lilac-breasted roller can mimic the calls of other bird species. They can also turn their heads 180 degrees, which helps them easily detect predators.
The lilac-breasted roller is classified as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, their numbers are declining due to habitat loss and hunting.
2. Odontodactylus scyllarus
Odontodactylus scyllarus, also known as the peacock mantis shrimp, is a species of mantis shrimp belonging to the order Stomatopoda, found widely in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, from Guam to East Africa. This species is known for its colorful appearance and lightning-fast attack capabilities.
The mantis shrimp can be considered a predator in the animal kingdom. They have long been described as striking a pose like a mantis or a boxing athlete, and they possess the power to defeat much larger opponents, even breaking the shells of large crustaceans like crabs. Additionally, these creatures exhibit a vibrant rainbow-like beauty from the bioluminescent substances within their bodies, making them popular in aquariums.
The mantis shrimp typically resides in U-shaped burrows that can be 3 to 40 meters deep, near sandy or gravel reef areas. They often hide in cracks within the reef and silently observe movements outside, usually ambushing prey. The force from their claws can even break coral (which provides shelter for mantis shrimp) or shatter fish tank glass. The injuries inflicted on their prey are severe due to the mantis shrimp’s incredibly rapid “punch” speed.
The ancient Assyrians referred to mantis shrimp as sea locusts. In Australia, they are called “prawn killers,” and American and European fishermen named them “thumb splitters” because they can pinch through the skin of fingers if one is not careful when removing them from nets. In rare cases, mantis shrimp can shatter aquarium glass with a single strike from their claws.
3. Mandrillus
Mandrillus, commonly known as the mandrill, is a species of monkey belonging to the Old World monkey family, primarily distributed in West and Central Africa. This species is known for its colorful fur, bright red nose, and complex social behavior.
Mandrills are large monkeys, with adult males reaching lengths of up to 90 cm (3 ft) and weighing up to 50 kg (110 lb), while females are slightly smaller. This monkey has thick fur with various colors, including green, yellow, orange, red, and blue. These vibrant colors help them communicate and attract mates.
Mandrills have a striking red nose, particularly in males. This nose has many wrinkles and can change color according to the monkey’s mood and health. Mandrills are social animals, living in troops of up to 200 individuals. The troop is led by a dominant male, who uses his red nose and loud calls to attract females. Mandrills are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, insects, and small animals.
Mandrills are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Several conservation efforts are underway to protect this species, including habitat protection and community awareness initiatives.
4. Agalychnis callidryas
The red-eyed tree frog (Agalychnis callidryas) is a frog species belonging to the tree frog family, widely distributed in Central and South America. This frog is known for its vibrant appearance, especially its bright red eyes and remarkable climbing abilities.
This species has green skin with black and white spots, and white or cream-colored bellies. Their eyes are bright red, especially in males. These vibrant colors help them camouflage in their tropical forest habitat and warn predators of their skin’s toxicity.
The red-eyed tree frog is a nocturnal animal, spending most of its time in trees hunting. They eat insects, spiders, and other small creatures. The red-eyed tree frog is also a social frog, living in small groups.
Agalychnis callidryas is a colorful and unique frog species with an important role in the tropical rainforest ecosystem. However, their numbers are declining due to habitat loss and the pet trade. Conservation measures are needed to protect this frog species.
5. Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia
Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia, commonly known as the four-striped garter snake, is a subspecies of the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), primarily found along the northern coast of California, USA. This snake is known for its colorful scales and high adaptability to diverse habitats.
The four-striped garter snake is medium-sized, measuring about 51-137 cm (20-54 inches), with males usually smaller than females.
The four-striped garter snake is a carnivorous animal, primarily preying on frogs, toads, fish, insects, and earthworms. They are mostly active during the day and are good swimmers. The four-striped garter snake is relatively docile and rarely attacks humans.
The four-striped garter snake inhabits a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal areas. They are often found near water sources like springs, rivers, and lakes. This species is classified as of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, their numbers are declining due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
6. Broadley’s Platysaurus Lizard
Platysaurus broadleyi, also known as Broadley’s rock lizard, is a species of lizard belonging to the Platysauridae family, found in the arid rocky mountains of South Africa. This lizard is recognized for its vibrant scales and exceptional climbing abilities.
Broadley’s rock lizard is medium-sized, measuring about 20-30 cm (8-12 inches), with males typically larger than females.
Broadley’s rock lizard is a carnivorous species, primarily preying on insects, spiders, and small lizards. They are primarily active during the day and are excellent climbers. This lizard is relatively docile and rarely attacks humans.
Broadley’s rock lizard inhabits arid rocky mountain regions, where there are plenty of crevices and cliffs for shelter. They are typically found at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 meters (4,900 to 9,800 feet). Platysaurus broadleyi is a colorful and unique lizard with high adaptability. This species plays an important role in the ecosystem, but its population is declining and requires protection.
