Chameleons Mystery Cache

Many other animals also have chromatophores that let them change color. Often these creatures change color to camouflage (KAM uh flaj), or hide, themselves.

Golden Tortoise Beetle: For example, a golden tortoise beetle is usually bright gold. But it can change to a dull orange-brown with dark spots. The darker colors make the beetle look like a ladybug. Changing color helps the beetle hide from predators, or animals that might eat it.

Bark Spider: This animal changes color to become a better predator. It can turn brown, gray, green, or yellow. These colors let the spider blend in with trees, stones, and leaves as it waits for insects.

Flounder: Some sea creatures also use color to camouflage themselves. The flounder takes on dull, spotted coloring to blend in with the rocky seafloor. Then it just lies there and waits for tasty animals to swim by.