3.Pink Katydid

Similar to crickets, katydids are often green in color, but recent studies have revealed that in North American katydids, the genetically dominant color—the one that dictates the coloration of offspring—is really pink. For many years, scientists thought that the pink, yellow, and orange coloration of katydids was caused by a genetic mutation governed by recessive genes, which resulted in the absence of the typical green pigment, much like albinism in people.

Over the past ten years, scientists at the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium in New Orleans have discovered fresh evidence that contradicts this theory. It has been demonstrated that, while pink is a dominant characteristic, green is really a recessive trait. Accordingly, the progeny of a green and pink katydid will be pink, not green, as previous ideas suggested.

The lack of concealment provided by the vivid coloration, as opposed to the green coloration, is the reason why pink katydids are rare. The New Orleans region is home to a Cajun proverb that reads, “If a pink katydid lands on your shoulder on Valentine’s Day, you will find true love that year,” if you’re eager to see one in the wild.