Animal Camouflage

Most animal species in the world have developed camouflage that helps them find food and avoid being attacked by a predator.

The pygmy seahorse is a master of camouflage, resembling its host, the gorgonian coral. The snout of this species matches the color and shape of the coral's polyps, while its body matches the stem. 

These shrimp are camouflaged and well protected from predators in a sea urchin. An animal matching the "background" of its surroundings is one of the simplest and common forms of camouflage.

Camouflage varies from species to species, but an animal's environment is often the most important factor in how it appears. Here, a Gecko is camouflaged; resembling tree bark. 

Deroplatys trigonodera, a leaf-litter mantid, has taken on the look of a decomposing leaf on the forest floor. It's a sneaky hunter—it lurks unseen and then snags its unsuspecting insect prey.

Stick insects are among the best camouflaged of all creatures, with a body shape that mimics the branches of their home. A predator can easily see the walking stick, but the predator thinks its only a twig, and ignores it.

 

An animal will not develop a camouflage that does not help its chances of survival. A snake (pictured above) burrows and blends into the sand.

Tawny frogmouths blend in with tree bark and stumps while sleeping during the day. They stay perfectly still while resting and when disturbed they raise their head and stiffen their body, simulating a branch. These nocturnal birds are found in Tasmania and Australia, and are sometimes mistaken for owls.