Color-marking animals for EthoVision

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MyNoldus Knowledge Base Related to EthoVision XT Color-marking animals for EthoVision

Tracking Methods

  • Color Marker Tracking: Tracks only the colored marker (no nose/tail tracking). Suitable for all species.
  • Marker-Assisted Tracking: Uses both contrast-based body tracking and the color marker for identification. Recommended for social interaction tests where body points are needed.

Lighting Conditions

  • Brightness: Ensure sufficient illumination; dim lighting reduces color contrast.
  • Uniformity: Use diffuse lighting to minimize shadows and preserve color fidelity.
  • Color Temperature: Use daylight-spectrum lamps for optimal hue separation.

General Marker Tips

  • Choose highly distinct hues (e.g., red vs. green; avoid red vs. orange).
  • Avoid red if possible—it resembles blood.
  • Set a minimum marker size to ignore false detections from similar colors in the arena.
  • Apply markers in advance to reduce animal stress during testing.
  • Use fluorescent markers with UV lighting in dark conditions (for marker-only tracking).
  • Place markers on the center of the back—not on the head or tail—to maintain visibility.
  • Ensure the marker is round and uniform to reduce detection error.
  • Do not oversize the marker, especially on small or light-colored animals.

Species-Specific Marking

Small Mammals & Birds

  • Chalk/Terracotta markers: Non-toxic and opaque; effective on dark fur.
  • Livestock markers: Paint sticks and sprays available in fluorescent colors.
  • Hair dye: Long-lasting; bleach dark fur if needed.
  • Permanent markers: Temporary and easy but can be removed by grooming.
  • Colored jackets: Cloth with Velcro; useful for small mammals with colored fur.

Large Mammals

Use livestock markers such as:

Fish & Amphibians

  • Plastic pearls: Attach under dorsal fin with non-resorbable filament under anesthesia (e.g., Chromis chromis).
  • Visible Implant Elastomer (VIE) Tags: NMT produces VIE tags, visible under UV and normal light, suitable for fish and tadpoles.

Reptiles

  • Nail polish: Applied to lizard skin, lasts up to 10 days in small species.

Insects

  • Acrylic paint: Use a fine brush to apply; hold insect until dry.
  • Food coloring via honey: For parasitic wasps and other insects with translucent abdomens; no anesthesia needed.
  • VIE tags: Also usable for insects (see fish section).

Final Recommendations

  • Always test marker visibility in your arena before running actual experiments.
  • Minimize stress by marking animals well before trials begin.
  • Check that colors are not duplicated in background or arena elements.