Camouflage is a trait that a multitude of jungle creatures possess, and some have virtually perfected the art of disguise. The everlasting need for survival has driven the evolution of some really amazing camouflage adaptations. Whether its a perfect combination of colors, or a complete alteration in physical structure, these creatures are masters of keeping watchful eyes oblivious to their presence.
This praying mantis is an excellent example. Not only are the body parts colored and shaped like leaves, the wings also have patterns that mimic the venation of a leaf.
Across the insect world, leaf mimicking is a very prevalent form of camouflage. The quality of some insect’s leaf guises are incredible. Here is a leaf-mimicking katydid quite effectively portraying a dead leaf. 
Here, a closer look reveals the extreme level detail that this katydid has evolved… blotches of light and dark color, intricate and accurate venation patterns, and of course, a leaf-like shape.
Yet another excellently camouflaged insect is this grasshopper, shown here blending into the thorny trunk of a tree at La Selva. This is a great hiding spot, and even the most keen-eyed bird would never spot it.
Here is an amazing example of camouflage, a butterfly chrysalis that looks like a dead leaf. The detail is again amazing and to a passing predator, this looks a lot more like an unpalatable leaf than a nutritious meal.
Posted by Richard Wojcikiewicz on November 9, 2009 at 10:02 am
Beautiful pics, John. I’m struck by what a simple and classic example of evolution by natural selection this is. The selective pressure is so clear cut and powerful – if you mutate into something that is less visible to a predator, you stand a better chance of surviving and passing on that trait. Thus, the perfect mimicry. Hope you didn’t get that El Salvadorian rain !
Dad