Camouflage is an art. Mimicry takes on the form of one’s surrounding. Many insects use it as a means of disguise for survival. It is used as a form of deceiving potential predators. It’s a matter of eat or be eaten. And their art of hiding serves them well.

Peacock Butterfly

They are a large butterfly known to habitat Britain, Western Europe, and Asia. The upper wings are a rustic, chocolaty brown, while the hind-wings have remarkable, vibrant purple eyespots. When it is viewed upside down, the pattern of the butterfly resembles an owl. This is used to ward of predators. If this doesn’t work, then the butterfly will flash its wings open while making a rustling sound. Underneath the butterfly’s wings is a mottled grey-brown color, protecting the insect with camouflage.

Katydid

They are a species of long-horned grasshoppers. They are tree-living insects, and most look like leaves. Their wings mimic the movement of leaves and serve as camouflage in protection against potential predators.

Walking sticks

The Greeks called them phantoms. So well is their art of hiding, that they meld right into the landscape. Many resemble sticks or leaves, rocking ever so gently to mimic vegetation moving in the wind. And if that isn’t enough to ward of predators, some can even secrete a noxious substance that can cause burning of the eyes and mouth, and even temporary blindness.

Camouflage Moth

In most instances, you could hike right on past this moth and not even pay heed to it. Blending in with its environment, it looks just like its surrounding. It is the chameleon of insects.

The Viceroy

It’s convincing enough to predators. It has evolved to look like monarchs so potential harassers won’t eat it. They are almost alike with the exception that the viceroy has a black horizontal stripe that crosses the bottom of its back wings.

Giant Swallowtail Caterpillar

Of all things this bug was made to mimic, it was made to look like a piece of bird poo. But the ruse works. Any potential predator doing a drive-by will take one look and say, “No thanks!”

Ant-mimicking jumping spiders

Some jumping spiders take on the appearance of ants. They use their front legs as antennae to carry on the deception. Scientists are unsure if they do this to prey on the unsuspecting ants, or if it’s a mechanism for self-defense.

Moth mimicry

A species of metalmark moth (Brenthia hexaselena) mimics a jumping spider when it spreads its wings in defense. Instead of panicking and fleeing, the moth will outstretch its wings in a desperate attempt to scare of its attacker.

Hermeroplanes triptolemus

The caterpillar of this moth uses quite the deception to startle predators. When frightened, it will inflate the front of its body, giving the appearance of a snake. The false eyes almost give it a viper-like quality.