The masters of animal camouflage

Look closely to find them

Prepare to be amazed by the magic of camouflage in nature. The animal kingdom is a vast place with species of all shapes and colors, some of which have developed impressive capabilities to blend with nature: it took them millions of years of evolution to perfect these skills.

We challenge you to find these species in the following pictures:

1.- The supreme master of camouflage. 

The chameleon is the most famous for its ability to change color when feeling threatened. Scientists think that this species not only developed this ability to adapt better to the environment, but to communicate.

Did you know that some chameleon’s skin tones define its mood? These patterns change when the animal is feeling aggressive or when it wants to fight.

2.- The wizard of trees. 

Its ability to blend with trees is impressive. Owls are excellent hunters: when a little bug appears, the owl stays still long enough to be left unseen, then it attacks and eats.

The macaws also have incredible abilities, read about them here: 10 Things you didn’t know about Xcaret’s macaws

3.- A genius from Africa

The giraffe’s spots provide protection from predators. They help it blend with the colors and forms of his native Africa. Despite being a species that gets a lot of attention for its unusual shape, it’s also known to hide in the trees.

4.- A lethal friend from the ocean

This is one of the most poisonous fish from the ocean, known for its great ability to camouflage with its surroundings. The Stonefish takes great advantage of this to attack and capture its preys.

5.- This friend thinks he is a leaf

It’s not a leaf! If you look closer you’ll see a small insect in this photo. This species is very curious and really knows how to hide from predators. They resemble leaves: the coloring of their skin is equal to chlorophyll.

6.- A living stick 

Nature is amazing, just look at the stick insect to prove it. This friend belongs to the family of  phasmids and it’s an expert in camouflage with colors, shapes, and extraordinary behaviors: they tangle with the vegetation where they live with and take form of what they feed from. Can you see its long legs?

7.-The most famous of all: Jiminy Cricket

The secret is that grasshoppers aren’t bright nor colorful insects. They camouflage perfectly with dry leaves, woods, and pastures, where their main predators inhabit.

8.- Prince charming 

It is not a piece of wood! Toads are the masters in the art of tricking. They use their camouflage ability to hide from their numerous predators. Also, this ability works well  for them to get food.

9.- A butterfly to be

Don’t you think this kind of mimicry is amazing? This species of caterpillar evolves in order to hide from predators using its incredible camouflage: it becomes almost invisible! blending with leaves increases its chances of surviving and turning into a butterfly.

10.- Australian leaf tail

Originally from Australia, this unique animal is almost invisible to the human eye and its predators. The northern gecko has colorful spots and a tail that resembles a leaf and can be detached.

11.- The horned viper

If you look close among the sand, you’ll see the eyes of a golden-horned viper. This reptile is perfectly camouflaged  in the desert sand of Namibia, where it buries itself to escape from the hot surface.

12.- The cat’s Prince

The fur of the jaguar is very versatile, able to fade over different environments. It is the largest cat native from America, hence one of the most important predators of the jungle. How long did it take you to find it?

13.- A surprise in the snow

This is probably the most difficult to find, which means that even if its skin is not as adaptable as a chameleon, this Asian leopard knows exactly where to stand to go unnoticed.

14.- A different kind of horse

These cute little horses live exclusively in the corals  and they  blend acquiring the color and appearance of the coral. Their camouflage is the most effective of the ocean.

Did you know this sea horse was discovered while scientists were examining a fan-shaped coral in the laboratory?

Which of these animals did you find most impressive? 

How long did it take you to find them?