Environmental Graffiti

Amazing Insect Camouflage

We’ve portrayed insects before whose survival strategy is to scare predators by making scary eyes at them (moths and butterflies) or by warning their enemies of their poisonous qualities (beetles and bugs). Today, we’re focusing on insects that stay still and blend in so perfectly with their environment that predators simply overlook them.

Continue reading...

Leaves that Literally Move by Themselves

Katydids are fascinating little buggers, er, bugs. More than 6,400 species exist so it’s not surprising they come in a range of shapes, sizes and colors, or that they have adapted to blend with their habitats to avoid becoming lunch. Leaf mimic katydids are the most adept at getting lost in the undergrowth. Their bodies have evolved to look just like dead, dying or discoloured leaves, and the longer they avoid detection, the better their disguise becomes.

Continue reading...

The Strangest Camouflage in the World

Insects typically do not stand out. Something to do with it being their one way ticket to certain extinction, generally. A fact that just adds to the mystique of the extremely rare pink katydid. Though remarkably pretty and startling, one must wonder just what purpose this color scheme serves. It’s certainly not the best camouflage, so must surely result in untimely death more often than not.

Continue reading...