#mimicry
Lichen Katydid - Markia hystrix
Katydids comprise a diverse group of insects particularly well adapted to survival in rainforest because of their exceptional camouflage. Most katydids are well camouflaged with brown or leaflike green markings.
The Lichen Katydid, Markia hystrix (Orthoptera - Tettigoniidae), however, has one of the most incredible camouflages of all. It resembles the pale greenish-white lichens on which it lives in rainforest treetops. Not only does the color match the lichens, but the body and legs have a bizarre assortment of spines and points that blend well with lichens, in fact, so well that this insect is extremely difficult for predator to find.
This astonishing insect is known to occur in Central America (Costa Rica, Panama), Colombia and Ecuador.
Photo credits: [Top: ©Holguer Lopez | Locality: not indicated, 2013] - [Bottom: ©Robert Oelman | Locality: Colombia-Ecuador, 2007]
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Trick-or-Treat Pokemon
stuff with this pattern on my store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VersirisApparel
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The buff tip moth has some impressive camouflaging skills, blending right into its twiggy habitat.
Image credit: Serge Karpeykin
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“Stripped Bark” Moth Caterpillars, unidentified
bySinobug (itchydogimages) on Flickr.
Pu’er, Yunnan, China
See more Chinese caterpillars on my Flickr site HERE…
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Powder puff tree (Calliandra haematocephala) with thorn bugs (Umbonia crassicornis)
I was taken aback - a powder puff tree with thorns?? It was only upon further inspection, that I noticed the thorns MOVED!
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When you’re almost a master of mimicry
VIETNAMESE MOSSY FROGS
Theloderma corticale
©[email protected]
Vietnamese mossy frogs greatly resemble a clump of moss thanks to their green color, black spots, and visible tubercules and spines. They hide in basins of water found in crevices with only their eyes protruding to keep a watchful eye on their surroundings. As a result, they’re almost impossible to spot when sitting still. These tree frogs have adhesive toe pads and can jump. Males have a pronounced breeding callus on the base of their inside finger.
The Vietnamese mossy frog grows up to 3.5 inches (7 to 8 centimeters), with males tending to be smaller and thinner than females.
As its name suggests, the Vietnamese mossy frog lives in Vietnam; specifically in northern Vietnam, a region defined by limestone cliffs and evergreen rainforests.
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The Orchid is incredible - not only are there thousands of species all over the world, but this flowering plant is a master of mimicry. Below are 10 quirky and beautiful species of orchid which closely resemble other living creatures.
1. Flying duck orchid (Caleana major)
2. Monkey orchid (Dracula simia)
3. White egret flower (Pecteilis radiata)
4. Naked man orchid (Orchis italica)
5. Dove orchid (Peristeria)
6. Laughing bee orchid (Ophrys apifera)
7. Swaddled baby orchid (Anguloa uniflora)
8. Moon orchid which appears to have a tiger inside (Phalaenopsis amabilis)
9. Ballerina orchid (Caladenia melanema)
10. Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis)
Garret Kane’s beautiful ‘exploding’ figures depict the four seasons
These kinetic sculptures by Brooklyn-based artist Garret Kane were created using typically modern techniques. The figures were designed in Zbrush before being 3D printed and affixed to natural structures like twigs, rocks and leaves to produce stunning final forms.
The resultant sculptures look like each figure is bursting free of some unexplained captivity; bringing with them their selected season. They’re part of an ongoing series of works exploring the theme of mimicry; with several of the artist’s sculptures displaying similar explorations into natural forms. I think they’re stunning. Wouldn’t mind the set myself.
More at Kane’s website
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Bee Assassin, Notocyrtus sp., Reduviidae by Andreas Kay
Via Flickr:
from Ecuador: www.youtube.com/AndreasKay
Treehopper, Smerdalea circumflexa by Andreas Kay
Via Flickr:
from Ecuador: www.youtube.com/AndreasKay
A stick pretending to be a Buff-Tip Moth
Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) is an Appalachian native with a secret to tell. This unusual perennial has more going for it than its attractive, heart-shaped leaves, which clump together in dense colonies in the understories of rich, mesic forests. In early spring, the plant produces a ground-hugging flower that mimics the look and odor of the rotting carcass of a dead animal. Newly-emerged gnats and flies in search of an easy meal are attracted to the hairy, morbid-looking blossom, which they enter and pollinate. But you’ll miss this amazing act of mimicry unless you get on your hands and knees and gently push back the plant’s softly-pubescent leaves to reveal the flowers underneath. As an aside, wild ginger isn’t closely related to real ginger (Zingiber officinale), although Native Americans and early settlers used its dried and powdered root as a spice. The practice is discouraged nowadays because the plant is known to contain poisonous compounds. Culinary attributes aside, it makes a lovely ground cover in native wildflower gardens.
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Wasp-mimic katydid, Scaphura nigra, Phaneropterinae (Leaf Katydids)
Found in South America
Photos 1-2 by João P. Burini, 3 by flaviomendes, 4 by highston, 5-6 by alessandradalia, 7 by luciakaju, 8 by carlosalexandreraposo, 9 by luciano_bernardes, and 10 by lrubio7
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