Blessing in Disguise

What is ‘Camouflage’ ?

The word ‘Camouflage’ which originates from French which means ‘disguise’ or ‘concealment from disguise’ has been in use since the early 20th century. The one and only thing that revolves around the real life is the art of survival. Thus, the usage of bio-mimicry among organisms has become an important mechanism to avoid exposure. By camouflaging, animals blend with their natural surroundings to a level where their presence is almost undetectable. Insects too come under these category of organism where blending occurs via the change of phenotypes (body colours and shapes). Some insects have unusual patterns genetically which makes it impossible for us to see its body shape against a background. On the other hand, some insects have body structures  which carry the resemblance of objects present in their environment such as leaves, branches, sticks, flowers and tree bark. This  mechanism has been known to be one of  the most profound method used by animals and insects to protect themselves from possible predators.

The art of camouflaging fall into three categories:

a) Crypsis – Act of blending in with their surrounding

b) Mimesis – Resemblance of the objects around their environment

Now, since you have received some informational dose on the basic information related to camouflaging, it’s now time to introduce to you the ‘Phantom’of the insect kingdom! Yes! We are referring to the insects that camouflage themselves.

Now that you have met the “Phantom” of the insect kingdom, who said insects do not play tricks on us? Well, they do! They always did! And they always will in the name of  survival of the fittest. Hope you learnt a lot from the post today.!

Posted in Insects, Mother Nature