ANIMALS IN FOCUS - Spotlight on Spots

Monarch Butterfly

The bold markings on monarch butterflies act as a warning to potential predators. To distinguish between male and female monarch butterflies, look for two distinctive black spots on the hind wings — these are scent glands and only present in males.

Leopard Tortoise

Unique to each individual, the markings on the aptly named leopard tortoise include black spots, blotches, and dashes covering their domed carapace.

Mountain Lion

Some species are born with spots that disappear as they age. As cubs, mountain lions are covered with dark spots to help them blend into their surroundings for protection. Their spots usually fade around the age of 6 to 9 months, when cubs start learning to hunt.

Giraffe

Spots on a giraffe differ between subspecies and no two giraffe will have the same coat markings. Their spots (or patches) also likely help to camouflage the giraffe, allowing them to blend in against the savanna.

Helmeted Guineafowl

Though the spots or speckles covering the helmeted guineafowl’s body are clearly visible up close, they appear mottled from far away and likely serve as a form of camouflage amid their savanna or shrub surroundings.

Gila Monster

The venomous Gila monster delivers an extremely painful bite. Vibrant spots or blotches of orange, yellow, or pink stand out against their black bodies, likely warning other animals to stay away.

Comparing Spotted Cats

JAGUAR

Jaguars have larger, rose-shaped markings on their backs called rosettes. On a jaguar, these rosettes have smaller, solid spots in the center. Their head, lower limbs, and belly are covered in smaller, solid spots.

AMUR LEOPARD

Leopards also have rosettes on their backs. However, leopards’ rosettes lack the small, solid spots in the center.

CHEETAH

While jaguars and leopards have rosettes, cheetahs have smaller, solid spots covering their entire body — eventually merging into stripes or rings around the tail.