Like something seen out of the corner of your eye, or a trick of the shadows, it can be startling when something doesn’t appear as you thought it did. There’s an entire subset of wonderful creatures who utilize camouflage to evade predators. These niche practitioners of the art of stealth and camouflage have evolved with fantastic results.
(Images via jimmccormac, monstrous, simbania, richard-seaman)
Phasmatodea, otherwise known as stick insects, are masters of the art of blending into their surroundings. Evolved to the point that they almost identically mimic the plants on which they reside, these walking bundles of sticks even move with a rocking motion that helps fool predators. There are over 3,000 varieties and are apparently great to keep as pets.
(Images via travelpod, mi9, pixdaus, wikimedia)
Not all frogs are as conspicuous as Kermit and his celebrity seeking friends. The frogs that like to blend into their environment do it incredibly well. As can be seen in the photos above, if one didn’t realize there was a frog in some of them, it would be nearly impossible to see.
(Images via howstuffworks, pixdaus, ncmls)
Walking leaves are some of the greatest mimics in the animal kingdom. These insects have bodies that are incredibly detailed, with wavy bodies and faux leaf veins. Their realistic coloration makes these insects nearly impossible to distinguish from their surrounding leaf cover.
(Images via necroford, conservationreport, bukisa)
Oceans are full of dangerous wide open spaces with little to no cover for possible prey. Many creatures have evolved to hide expertly among the clutter on the ocean floor. Sea horses are able to emulate gently swaying kelp, and some fish look almost identical to surrounding rocks. Some flounder have evolved incredibly, with entirely flat bodies and perfect coloration.
(Images via bakati, snipercountry, warnewsupdates)
Humans have spent a lot of research and effort into emulating the camouflage skills of our natural counterparts, through use of computer generated color schemes, and good old fashioned ingenuity. There are few skills as valuable for survival as the ability to blend into one’s environment.



