Paul Hobson / Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) melanic form, on turning leaf. Sheffield, October.

Jane Burton / Angelfish {Pterophyllum scalare} melanic veiltail 'black lace' variety, captive, from rivers of Amazon basin, South america

Kim Taylor / Peppered moth {Biston betularia} normal and melanic forms on birch trunk. UK.

Tony Phelps / Adder {Vipera berus} melanic / black form female with normal morph young. Dorset, UK

Fabio Pupin / Walser's viper, (Vipera walser), recently described new species, melanic individual basking in habitat, Alps, Italy, June . Non-ex.

Fabio Pupin / Common wall lizard, (Podarcis muralis), rare melanic morph, Italy, April . Non-ex.

Steven Kazlowski / Grey wolf (Canis lupus) female with a black coat in the foothills of the Takshanuk mountains, South-East Alaska, USA

Paul Hobson / Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) melanic form, on turning leaf. Sheffield, October.

Paul Hobson / Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) larva, melanic form. Sheffield, UK, August.

Jane Burton / Angelfish {Pterophyllum scalare} dark melanic variety, captive, from rivers of Amazon basin, South america

Tony Phelps / Adder {Vipera berus} melanic female, New Forest, Hampshire, UK

Tony Phelps / Adder {Vipera berus} black melanic male defensive posture, Dorset, UK