Rosette (zoology)
A rosette is a rose-like marking or formation found on the fur and skin of some animals, particularly cats.[1][2] Rosettes are used to camouflage the animal, either as a defense mechanism or as a stalking tool. Predators use their rosettes to simulate the different shifting of shadows and shade, helping the animals to remain hidden from their prey. Rosettes can be grouped in clusters around other spots, or may appear as blotches on the fur.
List of felids with rosettes
- Cheetah – the king cheetah variety has rosettes
- Jaguar[2]
- Leopard – smaller, denser rosettes than the jaguar, lacking central spots[3][4]
- Snow leopard
- Ocelot
- Margay
- Lion – cubs have rosettes, which may be retained on the legs in adults
- Liger
- Tigon
- Bengal cat
- Leopard cat
See also
References
- ^ Schneider, Alexsandra. "How the Leopard Hides Its Spots: ASIP Mutations and Melanism in Wild Cats". PLOS. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
- ^ a b John Hampden Porter (1894). Wild beasts; a study of the characters and habits of the elephant, lion, leopard, panther, jaguar, tiger, puma, wolf, and grizzly bear. p. 239.
- ^ Naish, D. "The Pogeyan, a new mystery cat". ScienceBlogs.com. Retrieved 2009-01-19.
- ^ Searle, A. G. (1968). Comparative Genetics of Coat Colour in Mammals. Logos Press, London.