The lichen katydid blends perfectly with its environment, hiding among beard lichens. Its spiny legs mimic the lichen's appearance. Found in rainforests of South and Central America.
Pygmy seahorses adapt to blend with coral, changing color and texture. Born brown, they camouflage with sea fans, evading predators in their tiny size.
Spicebush swallowtail caterpillars mimic snakes with green color, eyespots, and an osmeterium. Defensive disguise deters predators in eastern US.
Orange oakleaf butterfly mimics a dead leaf with intricate wing pattern. Evades birds by blending into leaf litter. Found in Asia.
Leafy sea dragon: Camouflaged relative of seahorses in Australian waters. Endangered due to pet trade but now protected.
Orchid mantis: Camouflaged predator in Southeast Asian rainforests. Mimics flowers to deceive prey. Strong forelegs for aerial hunting.
Ant-mimicking spiders: 300 species worldwide. Raise forelegs like antennae. Resemble ants to deter predators. Can live undetected in ant colonies.
Gray hairstreak butterfly: False head on hind wings with false antennae. Escapes jumping spider attacks. Effective disguise for survival.
Pharaoh cuttlefish: Rapidly changes skin color and texture. Mimics hermit crab while hunting to catch more prey. Clever camouflage strategy.
Reef stonefish: Camouflaged predator of coral reefs. Venomous spines for defense. Deadly disguise and potent defense mechanism.