Melanism Collection

Leopard (Panthera pardus) black panther melanistic phase, adult, resting on log, captive

Peppered moth (Biston betularia) showing a comparison of the melanistic form f. carbonaria next to the typical paler form on dark soot-covered bark

Melanistic leopard / Black panther (Panthera pardus fusca) resting in tree. Nagarhole National Park, India. Photo© Phillip Ross/Felis Images

Melanistic leopard / Black panther (Panthera pardus) Nagarahole National Park, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Karnataka, India

Melanistic leopard / Black panther (Panthera pardus) on territorial patrol on track, Nagarahole National Park, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Karnataka, India

Black panther / melanistic Leopard (Panthera pardus) baring teeth, captive

Melanistic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) with normal European rabbits in grassland, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, July

Melanistic (black form) Leopard snarling, often called black panther (captive)

Leopards, Panthera pardus, in the Gardens of the Zoological Society. Handcoloured copperplate engraving from William Smellies translation of Count Georges Buffons History of the Earth

The Black Leopard, Panthera pardus
5893759 The Black Leopard, Panthera pardus. by Smellie, William (1697-1763); (add.info.: The Black Leopard, Panthera pardus, in the Gardens of the Zoological Society)

RF - Black panther / melanistic Leopard (Panthera pardus) peering through leaves, captive

An all-black melanistic serval cat at 10, 000 feet on the moorlands of the Aberdare Mountains. This long-legged cat with big ears is normally tawny to russet with black

Sitting Black Leopard or Black Panther (Panthera pardus) roaring and baring its teeth, front view

Biston betularia, peppered moth
Two specimens of the same species of moth illustrating industrial melanism, which is abnormal deposits of melanin (especially in the skin)

Leopard (Panthera pardus) Black Panther melanistic form, adult, walking on grass, July (captive)

Jaguar (Panthera onca) Black Panther melanistic form, adult, walking on grass, July (captive)

Barn Owl (Tyto alba) melanistic phase, adult, close-up of head (captive)

Standing Black Panther (Panthera pardus), looking at camera

Sitting Black Panther (Panthera pardus) stretching its neck sideways alertly, its long tail resting on the floor, front view

Peppered Moth (Biston betularia) normal and melanistic forms, two adults, example of camouflage adaption evolution, Essex, England, july

Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) immature, standing on rock in snow, captive

Western Whipsnake (Hierophis viridiflavus) melanistic form, adult, basking amongst grass, Italy, april

European Adder (Vipera berus) melanic adult, coiled amongst rocks, Italian Alps, Italy, october

Long-winged Harrier (Circus buffoni) melanistic morph, adult, in flight, Ibera Marshes, Corrientes, Argentina, november

Augur Buzzard (Buteo augur) dark morph, adult, perched on giant lobelia, Bale Mountains, Oromia, Ethiopia

Melanistic Montagues Harrier - In flight. Southern Spain September
RES-462 Melanistic Montagu's Harrier - In flight Southern Spain, September Circus pygargus George Reszeter Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only

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"Unveiling the Enigma of Melanism: A Closer Look at Nature's Dark Beauties" In the depths of the wild, a magnificent creature emerges from obscurity. The melanistic phase of the Leopard, also known as the black panther (Panthera pardus), captivates our attention as it rests gracefully on a moss-covered log. Its sleek ebony coat glistens under dappled sunlight, showcasing nature's mastery in creating contrasting wonders. But melanic marvels are not limited to leopards alone. Behold the Peppered moth (Biston betularia), presenting an intriguing comparison between its normal form and its strikingly darkened counterpart. This adaptation allows these moths to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, evading predators with stealth and finesse. Venturing further into the wilderness, we encounter another breathtaking sight - a melanistic leopard perched majestically in a towering tree. In Nagarahole National Park within Nilgiri's lush landscapes, this elusive beauty roams freely amidst dense foliage, embodying strength and resilience. As night falls over these territories, our journey takes us alongside a black panther on territorial patrol along well-worn tracks. With eyes gleaming like embers in darkness, it symbolizes power and dominance within its domain. Even captivity cannot diminish their allure; captive black panthers bare their teeth with primal intensity while maintaining an air of mystery that surrounds them. Melanistic rabbits join forces with their European counterparts in grasslands where they harmoniously coexist despite their stark visual differences. These enchanting creatures remind us that diversity is nature's way of painting vibrant strokes across her canvas. Through every encounter with these mesmerizing beings – be it snarling or posing for portraits – one truth remains constant: melanism is not just about color but rather an embodiment of grace and adaptability within each individual species.