They say that nature is wise, that is why it gives some animals the ability to camouflage.. And it is that, between life and death, as well as a cloak of Invisibility,
Better known as mimicry, it is the way in which animals use camouflage, that is, the pproperty that some animals and plants have of resembling other beings in their environment.
The art of camouflage finds its correct name in the term crypsis, from the Greek Kryptos, which means ‘what is hidden’ or ‘what is hidden’. There are four main categories to classify the different types of crypsis: immobility, coloration, pattern and non-visual.
Within these categories you will find various animals from marine to insects.
These animals are experts in the art of camouflage
To understand how different animals use camouflage, you must recognize the four types:
- Immobility consists of remaining completely still in the same place to end up getting confused. This is very effective with certain species of reptiles, as some only detect the presence of another animal if it moves.
- The coloringhere andl animal adapts its body to the tones of the habitat where it is found and in some cases, it is really difficult to discern between landscape and animal.
- By pattern, camouflage that some animals develop simulating the texture that surrounds them. Normally, this ability goes hand in hand with coloration crypsis, thus creating perfect mimicry.
- Non-visual, which enhances camouflage through alteration of smells and sound.
8 animals that have a natural ability
Leaf insect
Known to science as Phyllium giganteum, it not only perfectly blends in with the shape and color of its surroundings, but also sways back and forth as it walks, imitating a leaf swaying in the wind.
Currently, up to fifty different leaf insects are known. There are probably many more species that, thanks to excellent camouflage, have not yet been discovered. These insects feed on the foliage of guava, mango, cocoa and other exotic plants.
orchid mantis
Despite its delicate and charming appearance. The Hymenopus coronatus is usually placed next to the petals of the flowers, resembling one of them, to trap pollinating insects such as butterflies or fruit flies. Its attractive coloration and shape always attracts many unsuspecting insects that end up in its nets. Rainforests are found in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Sumatra.
Madagascar Geckos
This creature has colors that adapt to the environment and, therefore, can be perfectly confused with elements of nature such as dry leaves, fresh leaves, etc.
These animals live in Madagascar and usually spend most of their lives in trees. They only come down to earth to lay their eggs and that is when we can appreciate the great resemblance they have to the leaves of the trees, something that makes them be almost invisible to our eyes.
The cuttlefish
Some cephalopods that can take on the color of the place where they are perched: sand, rocks, etc.
The reason why cuttlefish can camouflage themselves so completely is that they have cells in the skin that have the ability to adapt to any environment and, thus, be able to go completely unnoticed.
Kallima Butterfly
When it is chased by a bird and feels in danger, it begins to fly erratically, suddenly drops into the forest foliage and remains motionless with closed wings. That way the bird will be unable to find it.
When it closes its wings, only the markings on the underside are visible, which consist of irregular patterns and striations of many shades of beige, brown, yellow and black. It even has white spots and dark spots and spots that simulate mold or lichen, so common on wilted leaves in the tropics.
Decorator crab
The decorator crab is not born with a costume but rather builds it. This crab covers its body with algae, sponges, and even small marine animals to better blend in with the environment, either to hide from predators or to hunt more easily.
American pica
It is a species of mammal that lives in the mountains of Western North America and frequents rocky fields. Their size and color allow them to camouflage themselves among the stones.
Snowy owl
It is a bird whose perfect setting is a winter landscape, since its white plumage allows it to blend into snowy landscapes. However, this plumage changes depending on the sex. The male is completely white, while the female is white but with brown spots on her wings and back. The older they are, the more intense the colors are.
Crocodile
These large semi-aquatic reptiles have lived on earth for millions of years. The crocodile is an animal that prefers to surprise its victim before confronting it in the open field, therefore, its camouflage is to stay still, since although it can run short distances at almost 50 km/h, it likes to stalk and attack more. by surprise when their prey comes to drink water from ponds, or even pass by them without realizing the danger they are in.