8 Masters of Camouflage in the Animal Kingdome

Camouflage is one of the most important features certain animals have. They use it both for defense and offence, to catch prey and to keep away from predators. Whether it’s the famous chameleon that blends into its background or the jaguar disappearing into the jungle foliage ready to strike at any time, camouflage divides the fine line of eat or be eaten.

Below are 8 animals with extraordinary camouflage skills.

Common Baron Caterpillar

Hungry birds in the woods of western Malaysia would be lucky finding these caterpillars. It’s common for butterfly larvae to blend into the plants around them, but the baron caterpillar has the ability to vanish into the vegetation. They’re common amongst mango trees.

Pygmy Seahorse

Living in coral reefs is rough, so most of the animals that live here use camouflage to see another day. Pygmy seahorse are so good in keeping it low key that they were only recently discovered after wild-caught corals were taken to an aquarium. They stay near gorgonian corals found in the Pacific Ocean and match the coral’s colors and texture perfectly.

Mossy Leaf-Tailed Gecko

Although this gecko looks sort of like it’s being overrun by moss, it’s actually its skin. They’re seen in the forest of Madagascar and blend into the trees. Their mossy, bark-colored skin and texture makes them fit perfectly into the background. These geckos are also able to change colors like chameleons.

Jaguar

The only true big cat that’s native to North and South America, their beautiful spots and patterns help them become invisible and blend into a wide variety of backgrounds. Unfortunately, their camouflage skills didn’t help their population as their natural habitats are being used for human interest. They’re mostly seen in Central America.

Tawny Frogmouth

These birds are known for their huge yellow eyes and gaping beaks. Although they look like owls, these eerie birds are a class of their own. They simply perch on tree branches and blend in, wait for their prey and then take them without even flying.

Katydid

Katydids have leaf like bodies that helps them dodge a number of predators, like frogs, snakes, and birds. Although you might have a hard time spotting them, you can hear them clearly. They rub their wings together and make a "katy-did" sound.

Stonefish

It’s easy to miss this animal when you’re snorkeling around the waters of the Pacific and Indian Ocean. They look exactly like rocks, hence their name. They live around rocks and reefs and spend most of their time on the sea bed, waiting for pray. Stonefishes are also the most venomous fish in the planet, so it’s probably better if you don’t step around rocky areas in these waters.

Arctic fox

One of the most beautiful creatures that can stand the extreme cold in the arctic, the arctic fox has a ghostly, silver-blue toned coat that helps it stay warm and disappear into the snow. A remarkable characteristic of the arctic foxes coat is that it changes color during summer, which can let it hide amongst plants and rocks.