3rd March, 2024
CHIRANJIT MITRA
● Appearance: Leaf insects belonging to the family Phylliidae are masters of disguise. With bodies that mimic leaves' shape, color, and texture, including the veins, they are nearly indistinguishable from real leaves. ● Habitat: Found in tropical regions of Asia and Australia, they spend most of their time among the foliage they resemble.
● Appearance: These geckos have flattened, leaf-shaped tails and bodies that can mimic the color and texture of leaves, complete with fake blemishes or mold spots. ● Habitat: Native to Madagascar, they blend into the forest floor or tree trunks, depending on the species.
● Appearance: This marine fish has leaf-like appendages all over its body, providing excellent camouflage among seaweed and kelp. ● Habitat: Found along the southern and western coasts of Australia, it drifts in the water, resembling floating seaweed.
● Appearance: When its wings are closed, this butterfly resembles a dry, fallen leaf with detailed veins and a stem-like body. ● Habitat: It calls the forests of Asia home, especially thriving in India, Japan, and China.
● Appearance: Katydids have bodies and wings resembling green or brown leaves, with veins and edges that look like bite marks. ● Habitat: These insects are found worldwide, especially in tropical regions where their leaf-like appearance blends into the foliage.bulky appearance.
● Appearance: This frog has a body shape and coloration mimics leaf litter, complete with a pointed "nose" that enhances its leaf-like appearance. ● Habitat: Native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, it uses its camouflage to hide among the forest floor debris.
● Appearance: One of the most striking examples of leaf mimicry, this gecko not only has a leaf-shaped tail, but its entire body can resemble a leaf, including mimicking decay spots. ● Habitat: Endemic to Madagascar, it is a nocturnal species that hides among the leaves during the day.
● Appearance: This grasshopper sports green wings with veins that resemble a leaf, aiding in its camouflage among plants. ● Habitat: It is commonly found in South America, living among the foliage where it feeds and hides from predators.
● Appearance: With a body that can mimic moss-covered bark and leaves, this gecko takes camouflage to the next level, even adjusting its color based on the lighting conditions. ● Habitat: Also endemic to Madagascar, it prefers rainforests where its camouflage is most effective.