Rosette (zoology)

Leopard

The leopard (Panthera pardus) has a wide variety of coat coloration. On each color variation, the leopard has rosette patterns on their backs, flanks, and limbs. They also have patterns that are considered to be spots and not rosettes on their heads, stomach, and limbs.

Jaguar

Like the leopard, the jaguar (Panthera onca) has a wide variety of coat coloration. The jaguar can have a coat in colors ranging from white to black with the most common residing in brownish yellow area. These big cats have rosettes on their bodies in random combination and pattern.

Lion (cub)

Young lion (Panthera leo) cubs have rosette patterns on their legs and abdomen regions. These rosettes usually do not transfer into adulthood and fade as the cub ages. However, some mature lions may keep traces of their rosette patterns throughout life. For the lion cub, the rosette markings act as camouflage in long grasses and bushes.

Bengal Cat

The bengal cat (Felis catus x Prionailurus bengalensis) is a descendant from a combination of domestic cats and leopard cat lineage. This domesticated cat has a distinct coat pattern with a combination of rosettes, spots, and stripes.

Cheetah

While individual cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) do have distinct and identifiable coat patterns like leopards or jaguars, the cheetah's patterns are considered to be spots, not rosettes.

Ocelot

Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) have a coat pattern that may look like rosettes, however is considered to be a combination of spots and stripes.

List of felids with rosettes

• Cheetah – the king cheetah variety has rosettes
• Bengal cat
• Jaguar
• Leopard – smaller, denser rosettes than the jaguar, lacking central spots
• Leopard cat
• Liger
• Liliger
• Lion – cubs have rosettes, which may be retained on the legs in adults
• Litigon
• Margay
• Ocelot
• Safari cat
• Snow leopard
• Tigon

References

References

1. (2012). "How the Leopard Hides Its Spots: ASIP Mutations and Melanism in Wild Cats". PLOS.
2. 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". New York, C. Scribner's sons.
3. "The Princeton encyclopedia of mammals: Leopard". Windmill Books (Andromeda International).
4. "The Princeton encyclopedia of mammals: Other big cats". Windmill Books (Andromeda International.
5. "The Princeton encyclopedia of mammals: Lion". Windmill Books (Andromeda International).
6. "Let's look at Lions - Learn about the African Lion".
7. "Macquarie Dictionary: Bengal Cat". Macquarie Dictionary Publishers.
8. "The Princeton encyclopedia of mammals: Cheetah". Windmill Books (Andromeda International).
9. "Británica concise encyclopedia: ocelot". Británica Digital Learning.
10. "Cat Colours and Patterns - Plain English Version".
11. Naish, D.. "The Pogeyan, a new mystery cat". ScienceBlogs.com.
12. Searle, A. G. (1968). ''Comparative Genetics of Coat Colour in Mammals''. Logos Press, London.