Chien C. Lee

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  • A katydid (Promeca sp.) utilizes its excellent camouflage coloration to blend in with the lichens and epiphylls on the surface of a leaf. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • With uncanny precision, this grasshopper (Chorotypus sp.) displays its mimicry of a dead leaf down to the finest details. Why do some organisms go to such extreme lengths for their camouflage while others can get by with a much simpler appearance? The answer of course is largely due to what they are hiding from: there is a direct correlation between the detail of camouflage and the visual acuity of their specific predators. In this case, the sharp eyes of small insectivorous birds, like the hands of a master craftsman, provide the driving force to some of the most eccentric insect appearances. Batang Ai, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A study on perfection in mimicry: a Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus). One of 14 species of leaf-tailed geckos endemic to Madagascar, this nocturnal insectivore utilizes its incredible camouflage to hide among dead foliage by day. All Uroplatus geckos are under severe threat from deforestation and over-collecting for the international pet trade. Andasibe, Madagascar.
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  • Some of the most noticeable spiders of the Southeast Asian tropical rainforests are the huntsmans (family Sparassidae); not only do they reach impressive sizes and are often colorful but because they don’t use webs for their prey capture they can easily be seen hunting in understory vegetation at night. Some, such as this Lichen Huntsman (Pandercetes sp.) are harder to find than most due to their cryptic camouflage. This female specimen rests atop her equally camouflaged egg sac which has been neatly woven into the fold of a dead leaf. Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Almost indistinguishable from the branch on which it rests, a Papuan Frogmouth (Podargus papuensis) perches motionless next to its chick. Like other frogmouths, these birds scarcely build any nest at all and rely on camouflage to escape the detection of predators. Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • A giant leaf katydid (Pseudophyllus hercules), one of the world's largest, rests in the rainforest understory. Active only at night, they use their superb camouflage to remain undetected by predators during the day. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • It can be argued that the perfection of camouflage is largely driven by the acuity of a predator’s vision. In many insects, such as among the great diversity of stick insects (phasmids), this selective pressure probably derives from the keen eyesight of insectivorous birds. Here, a female phasmid (Hermagoras sigillatus) from the Bornean rainforest performs a remarkable crypsis by folding her front legs forward, their expanded flanges matching together to form the resemblance of a decaying twig. This disguise not only breaks up the outline of her head (at bottom in this photo), but also conceals her antennae which otherwise could give away her disguise. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The mountains of Vietnam are home to several species of amphibians which are perfectly adapted for camouflage in the mossy cloud forests. Perched atop a small leaf, this Tiny Bubblenest Frog (Gracixalus supercornutus) can easily be mistaken for a clump of moss epiphylls. Bach Ma National Park, Vietnam.
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  • Although cryptically disguised as a dead leaf when at rest, the Peacock Katydid (Pterochroza ocellata) packs a big surprise for its secondary defense. When disturbed, it raises its wings to expose strikingly colored eyespots, which can be enough to startle a potential predator away. This large katydid exhibits a great deal of intraspecific variation such that the wing patterns and camouflage of no two individuals are ever the same, and entomologists at one time had described over a dozen species that are now attributed to P. ocellata. These variations in coloration help to prevent any predator from learning a search pattern to recognize this species and its defense. Yasuní National Park, Ecuador.
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  • Although cryptically disguised as a dead leaf when at rest, the Peacock Katydid (Pterochroza ocellata) packs a big surprise for its secondary defense. When disturbed, it raises its wings to expose strikingly colored eyespots, which can be enough to startle a potential predator away. This large katydid exhibits a great deal of intraspecific variation such that the wings patterns and camouflage of no two individuals are ever the same, and entomologists at one time had described over a dozen species that are now attributed to P. ocellata. These variations in coloration help to prevent any predator from learning a search pattern to recognize this species and its defense. Yasuní National Park, Ecuador.
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  • A master of camouflage, this praying mantis (Theopompa borneana) conceals itself against the bark of a tree. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The Great Eared Nightjar (Lyncornis macrotis) is one of the largest in its family, reaching lengths of over 40cm. Like other nightjars, this cryptically-colored nocturnal bird relies on its camouflage to remain undetected while sleeping on or near the forest floor during the day. North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
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  • Nearly invisible, this katydid’s (Arnobia sp.) patterned wings and profile match almost seamlessly with the corrugated texture of the leaf on which it perches. There is increasing evidence that some insects actively seek out substrates which maximize their camouflage, but exactly how they achieve this in a bewildering microcosm of varied colors and a range of predators that have better eyesight than they do remains unclear. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A master of camouflage, the Mossy Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus sikorae) is almost completely undetectable when it is at rest on a small tree in the forest understory. Frilled flaps of skin along its body break up its outline, making it appear nearly seamless with the tree on which it rests. Andasibe, Madagascar.
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  • Males of the Madagascar's Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus) can usually be distinguished by their elaborately notched tails, a trait which gives them better mimicry of a leaf that has been partially eaten by insects. Exactly why this is a sexually dimorphic feature in these geckos is unknown, but in some animals different camouflage patterns in males and females can arise where each sex spends their time hiding in different locations and thus face differing selective pressures on their appearance. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • While the majority of katydids masquerade as leaves, this species (Anaphidna sp.) takes on a different strategy: it rests with its wings raised in the air to mimic a lichen-covered twig. The long filamentous antennae of many insects, which can sometimes betray their camouflage to a predator and are thus often kept tucked away for concealment, are in this species deceptively disguised with bends and kinks. Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park, Ecuador.
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  • The rare Montane Horned Frog (Pelobatrachus kobayashii) is endemic to mountain rainforests of Sabah in northern Borneo. Like other members of the genus, this large terrestrial frog relies on its superb camouflage to evade detection from predators. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Found throughout the lowland rainforests of Sarawak, the loud honking call of the Bornean Horned Frog (Pelobatrachus nasutus) is commonly heard before the onset of heavy thunderstorms. When disturbed it remains completely motionless, relying on its excellent camouflage to escape detection from potential predators. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Once their camouflage has failed, many insects resort to an alternative strategy - trying to make themselves appear as large and intimidating as possible. This harmless leaf katydid (Tympanophyllum arcufolium) from the Borneo rainforest is attempting to do just that by standing on its head and spreading its translucent wings. Male Tympanophyllum katydids are renowned for the loud and eerie violin-like calls they make, which adds to the magical abience of the Bornean rainforest at night. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Remarkable moss mimicry of a Madagascan stick insect (Antongilia lacinata). Visual camouflage adaptations such as this are predominantly aimed at protection from diurnal predators, hence these insects usually conceal themselves by day on mossy tree trunks. At night they roam about on the understory vegetation completely exposed while foraging for fresh leaves to feed on; their extravagant crypsis inconsequential in total darkness. Andasibe, Madagascar.
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  • The incredible camouflage of the Amazonian Horned Frog (Ceratophrys cornuta) becomes even more apparent when viewed from above. It is no wonder that these frogs are not strong jumpers; they prefer to remain motionless even upon the approach of a potential predator. Being sit-and-wait predators, they can sometimes spend several days staked out in the same spot, moving only nights of heavy rainfall. Yasuní National Park, Ecuador.
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  • Males of the Madagascar's Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus) can usually be distinguished by their elaborately notched tails, a trait which gives them better mimicry of a leaf that has been partially eaten by insects. Exactly why this is a sexually dimorphic feature in these geckos is unknown, but in some animals different camouflage patterns in males and females can arise where each sex spends their time hiding in different locations and thus face differing selective pressures on their appearance. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • Phyllium bioculatum.  Leaf insects (family Phylliidae) are found in tropical forested areas in South and Southeast Asia.  They are slow-moving foliage eaters and rely on their incredible camouflage for defense.  West Java, Indonesia.
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  • The rainforests of the remote Marojejy National Park in northern Madagascar are one of the best places to look for the island's unique leaf-tailed geckos. In addition to their superb camouflage, most species, like this Uroplatus giganteus, rest head downwards presumably to conceal the revealing reflections of their lidless eyes from arboreal predators.
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  • The Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) is an ambush predator. Utilizing its superb camouflage it waits for unsuspecting insect prey to come withing striking distance. This juvenile specimen will lose some of its petal-like appearance when it matures. West Java, Indonesia.
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  • A master of camouflage, the Mossy Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus sikorae) is almost completely undetectable when it is at rest on a small tree in the forest understory. Frilled flaps of skin along its body break up its outline, making it appear nearly seamless with the tree on which it rests. Andasibe, Madagascar.
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  • Although incapable of flight, this female Crowned Stick Insect (Onchestus rentzi) employs her wings for an entirely different purpose: defense. She has excellent camouflage when at rest but if discovered and threatened she will abruptly raise her wings as a startle tactic. The sudden increase in size and flash of color may cause some would-be predators to think twice before attacking. This species has a fascinating mode of reproduction: the females drop their small brown eggs at random on the forest floor where they are often mistaken for seeds by ants who then gather them for storage underground. The eggs then are able to mature in a relatively safe environment. Queensland, Australia.
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  • Incredible camouflage of a neotropical epiphyll-mimicking katydid (Clepsydronotus deciduus). Ephiphylls are tiny plants and lichens that grow on the surfaces of leaves in tropical rainforests, usually being detrimental to their host because they block light to the leaves. Having selected such an epiphyll-ridden leaf, the katydid is able to blend with the mottled colors and rough texture to conceal itself despite being completely exposed on the upper surface. Notice also how the katydid has carefully folded its long threadlike antennae under itself – if they were to stick out then the insect could be much more easily discovered by sharp-eyed birds. Choco, Colombia.
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  • The Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) is an ambush predator. Utilizing its superb camouflage it waits for unsuspecting insect prey to come withing striking distance. This juvenile specimen will lose some of its petal-like appearance when it matures. West Java, Indonesia.
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  • The Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) is an ambush predator.  Utilizing its superb camouflage it waits for unsuspecting insect prey to come withing striking distance.  Pictured here is a juvenile specimen. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Found throughout the lowland rainforests of Sarawak, the loud honking call of the Bornean Horned Frog (Pelobatrachus nasutus) is commonly heard before the onset of heavy thunderstorms.  When disturbed it remains completely motionless, relying on its excellent camouflage to escape detection from potential predators. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The rainforests of the remote Marojejy National Park in northern Madagascar are one of the best places to look for the island's unique leaf-tailed geckos. In addition to their superb camouflage, most species, like this Uroplatus giganteus, rest head downwards presumably to conceal the revealing reflections of their lidless eyes from arboreal predators.
    cld1621209.jpg
  • Found throughout the lowland rainforests of Sarawak, the loud honking call of the Bornean Horned Frog (Pelobatrachus nasutus) is commonly heard before the onset of heavy thunderstorms.  When disturbed it remains completely motionless, relying on its excellent camouflage to escape detection from potential predators. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Long antennae are an important sensory apparatus for many insects but they can be a hindrance when it comes to concealing yourself. Some species, such as this mossy stick insect (Antongilia lacinata), have given them up (having only short antenna) in favor of better camouflage, probably a good trade-off considering this insect isn't highly mobile anyway. Photographed exactly as found on a mossy tree trunk. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • Within the microcosm of a mossy tree stump, a tiny hidden predator lies patiently in wait. Still a juvenile, this praying mantis (Haania sp.) will eventually mature and shed most of its moss-like camouflage in favor of fully developed wings. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • This small pygmy grasshopper (Holoarcus truncatus) uses its excellent camouflage to escape detection from predators. West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Few creatures possess a mastery of camouflage the way Madagascar’s leaf-tailed geckos do. This Mossy Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus sikorae) sleeps by day on a rainforest liana, its outline obscured by frilled dermal flaps that line its body. By always resting in a downward-facing position they may be able to quickly catch unsuspecting insects that climb up from the ground and also conceal their reflective lidless eyes from predators lurking above. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • The seldom seen Archbold's Nightjar (Eurostopodus archboldi) is endemic to the highest mountains of New Guinea, where it can be found in open alpine habitats. Like other nightjars it sleeps by day on the ground using excellent camouflage to conceal itself. West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • The Diabolical Nightjar (Eurostopodus diabolicus) produces such an eerie call that local people in Sulawesi hold the superstitious belief that it is a demonic entity, hence its name. The life history of this rare bird is very poorly known as until recently only a single specimen had ever been found. Like other nightjars it rests by day on the ground, using its superb camouflage to escape detection from predators. Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.
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  • A nesting Common Potoo (Nyctibius griseus) in the dense mangrove forest of Colombia’s Utría National Park. Rather than construct a nest, the bird deposits its single egg in a small depression along a branch. Active only by night, potoos sit motionless during the day, using their incredible camouflage to remain hidden. Choco, Colombia.
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  • A master of camouflage, this rare stick insect (Trychopeplus laciniatus) is perfectly suited for its arboreal lifestyle in the mossy forests of Central America. It feeds exclusively on the foliage of several epiphytic orchid species. Cartago, Costa Rica.
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  • Looking as if it were dipped in liquid gold, a jewel scarab (Chrysina argenteola) almost seems more mineral than insect. Renowned for their remarkable colorations, Chrysina beetles fetch high prices among collectors, with some species and color variations fetching hundreds of dollars. Recent research into the metallic nature of their exoskeletons reveals that it possesses unique properties in the way it reflects polarized light, essentially being 'optically ambidextrous'. The reason why they have such unusual colorations still remains a mystery, although it has been suggested that the highly reflective surface may serve to camouflage them under the right lighting conditions, or even perhaps dazzle predators. Canandé Reserve, Esmeraldas, Ecuador.
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  • Being as discreet as possible, a tiny Elongate Leaf Chameleon (Palleon nasus) makes its way across the forest floor at a snail’s pace, freezing whenever it feels someone watching. The adults of this species measure less than 9cm long and are at the small end of Madagascar’s chameleon spectrum. Their camouflage is a perfect adaptation for their specific habitat: the leaf litter of the rainforest floor. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • Stick insect (Paraloxopsis korystes) showing superb cryptic camouflage. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Bornean Horned Frog (Pelobatrachus nasutus). Found throughout the lowland rainforests of Borneo, the loud honking call of this frog is commonly heard before the onset of heavy thunderstorms. When disturbed it remains completely motionless, relying on its excellent camouflage to escape detection from potential predators. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The glass-like quality of a White-spotted Clearwing (Greta annette) becomes revealed against the dappled light of the cloud forest understory. Although a great variety of marine organisms utilize transparency as a functional means of underwater invisibility, this type of optical camouflage is rare among terrestrial species for several reasons. Animals not living in water must protect their internal organs from damaging UV light and also possess rigid structural support for their bodies because they live in a non-buoyant medium; both of these are accomplished by pigments and opaque structures. In addition, the refractive index between living tissues and air means that reflections of light are a potential problem. Clearwing butterflies overcome this last hindrance by having the transparent portions of their wings covered with randomly-sized microscopic “nanopillars” – this results in their wings being remarkably unreflective from nearly all angles. Researchers studying this propose that these butterfly wings could be applied as a model to increase the efficiency of solar cells and in the manufacture of other non-reflective surfaces.  El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, Chiapas, Mexico.
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  • Bornean Horned Frog (Pelobatrachus nasutus). Found throughout the lowland rainforests of Borneo, the loud honking call of this frog is commonly heard before the onset of heavy thunderstorms. When disturbed it remains completely motionless, relying on its excellent camouflage to escape detection from potential predators. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Camouflaged moth (Ausaris sp.). West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • This moth (Pingasa ruginaria) escapes the notice of predators by concealing itself against the trunk of a tree where it rests by day. Its caterpillars feed on the leaves of a variety of trees including Litsea, Cinnamomum, and Nephelium. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Carefully sequestered on a perch not far above the rainforest floor, a Moyer’s Pygmy Chameleon (Rhampholeon moyeri) sleeps by night safely hidden from prowling nocturnal predators. Measuring less than 6 cm in total length, these are some of the smallest and most camouflaged in Africa – by day when they hunt for insects on the ground they are nearly invisible among the leaf litter. Recent research has shown that there is a surprising amount of diversity among Rhampholeon chameleons (26 currently recognized species), many of which are restricted to their own isolated mountain ranges. . Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania.
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  • The superbly camouflaged Kinabalu Gliding Gecko (Gekko rhacophorus) is endemic to the montane forests of Mount Kinabalu in northern Borneo.  This poorly-known species is a nocturnal insectivorous tree-dweller and, like other geckos of this genus, possesses skin flaps to assist in a parachuting flight. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • When approached by a potential predator, these amazingly camouflaged leaf grasshoppers (Chorotypus sp.) align their flattened bodies with the leaf they are perched on and remain completely still to accentuate their mimicry. Kubah National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Camouflaged fulgorid planthopper (Episcius sp.). Esmeraldas, Ecuador.
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  • Although perfectly camouflaged among lichens when at rest, if a threat is detected this stick insect (Pseudodiacantha chieni) raises its butterfly-like wings as a warning to predators, whilst simultaneously emitting a strong chemical odor. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Callambulyx amanda. Although this sphinx moth (family Sphingidae) is perfectly camouflaged against green foliage when it is resting, any disturbance from an animal will prompt it to flash its brightly colored hind wings and suspicious-looking eyespots. This startle tactic is the insect's only defense against predators and is a common coloration theme found in many moth species. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • By day this large sphinx moth (Clanis stenosema) rests among dead leaves where it is well camouflaged. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A well camouflaged tree-wrapping spider (Caerostris sp.) found in the rainforest of Ranomafana National Park in Madagascar. These spiders construct large orb webs to capture prey, but conceal themselves on a small branch when at rest. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • Madagascan Flexible-legged Spider (Hygropoda madagascarica), camouflaged on curved leave it has purposefully suspended into its web. Andasibe, Madagascar.
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  • With half a dozen species, Borneo is famous for its horned frogs. These are denizens of the rainforest floor and as such are expertly camouflaged for hiding among leaf litter. Most species rely so much on crypsis to avoid detection they have neglected other adaptations to escape predators, such as having weak legs for jumping. This is the rarest of the Bornean species: the Mulu Horned Frog (Megophrys dringi) which has only been known from a handful of sightings. This paucity of records is undoubtedly due to the remote locality where it occurs: high-elevation moss forests adjacent to clear mountain streams. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • This unidentified caterpillar which feeds on epiphytic moss, is camouflaged to look like its preferred substrate. Arfak Mountains, West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • This camouflaged Pygmy Grasshopper (Discotettix sp.) is nearly indistinguishable from the mossy bark on which it rests. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Endemic to the mountains of northern Borneo, the Kinabalu Horned Frog (Pelobatrachus baluensis) breeds only in clear rocky streams with cold water. By day they lie camouflaged among the leaf litter on the forest floor, but they emerge at night to call for mates. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Despoina spinosa, male, on leaves of Ficus sp. This katydid (family Tettigoniidae) sleeps by day on the undersurface of a large fig leaf, using its perfectly camouflaged semi-translucent wings to conceal itself from predators. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Among the most cryptically camouflaged of all invertebrates, leaf insects (Phyllium spp.) are difficult to find in their natural habitat. Many new species have been described from Southeast Asia in recent years. This is a subadult female (P. arthurchungi) from the rainforest of northern Borneo.
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  • With half a dozen species, Borneo is famous for its horned frogs. These are denizens of the rainforest floor and as such are expertly camouflaged for hiding among leaf litter. Most species rely so much on crypsis to avoid detection they have neglected other adaptations to escape predators, such as having weak legs for jumping. This is the rarest of the Bornean species: the Mulu Horned Frog (Megophrys dringi) which has only been known from a handful of sightings. This paucity of records is undoubtedly due to the remote locality where it occurs: high-elevation moss forests adjacent to clear mountain streams. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • In the understory of the Amazonian rainforest, a small piece of dead vegetation hanging beneath a leaf is revealed to be a camouflaged mantis (Metilla coloradensis) guarding her egg case (ootheca). Parental care like this in insects is a rare thing: it occurs in only about 1% of all species because as it is possible only for those which produce a smaller number of offspring. Yasuní National Park, Ecuador.
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  • The beautifully camouflaged Vishnu Moth (Trabala vishnou) is a species of Lappet Moth (Lasiocampidae) widespread throughout Southeast Asia. Central Province, Sri Lanka.
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  • Superbly camouflaged, this lichen huntsman spider (Pandercetes gracilis) lies in wait for prey on the trunk of a tree in the Arfak Mountains of New Guinea. West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Flat-nosed Pitviper (Craspedocephalus puniceus). West Java, Indonesia.
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  • The mimicry of a dead leaf is so precise for the Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus), they can often hide effectively in plain sight. It has been untested to what degree these geckos actively select a substrate that matches their individual patterns, but U. phantasticus appears to typically hide among dead foliage which suits it perfectly. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • Rainbow frog (Scaphiophryne gottlebei). Isalo National Park, Madagascar.
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  • With forests full of keen-eyed predatory birds, many of Madagascar’s smaller creatures have evolved incredibly cryptic appearances to evade detection. In the case of this Ghost Mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa), the remarkable leaf like mimicry serves also to conceal it from potential prey, which will be seized and eaten alive if they venture too close. Andasibe, Madagascar.
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  • Flat-nosed Pitviper (Craspedocephalus puniceus). West Java, Indonesia.
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  • Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus). Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • A well-camouflaged Borneo Rainbow Toad (Ansonia latidisca) scales a mossy tree trunk in the submontane rainforest of western Borneo. Although little is known about the life history of this rare species, it is an agile climber and is probably highly arboreal. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Borneo Short-tailed Python (Python breitensteini). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Without a single sighting in nearly 90 years, the Borneo Rainbow Toad (Ansonia latidisca) was considered possibly extinct and listed by Conservation International as one of the "10 Most Wanted Amphibians". The species was rediscovered in 2011 by a team of herpetologists from the University of Malaysia Sarawak, although it remains extremely rare and little is known of its ecology or behavior. This brings a glimmer of hope in a time of global mass amphibian extinctions. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The mimicry of a dead leaf is so precise for the Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus), they can often hide effectively in plain sight. It has been untested to what degree these geckos actively select a substrate that matches their individual patterns, but U. phantasticus appears to typically hide among dead foliage which suits it perfectly. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus). Andasibe, Madagascar.
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  • Unseen since 1924, the Borneo Rainbow Toad (Ansonia latidisca) was previously listed as one of the "world's top 10 most wanted frogs" by Conservation International in their Global Search for Lost Frogs in 2010. It was rediscovered in Sarawak in 2011. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus), female. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • Lichen huntsman spider (Pandercetes cf. nigrogularis). South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
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  • Hidden in the dense leaf litter of the rainforest floor, an Amazonian Horned Frog (Ceratophrys cornuta) lies in wait for its next meal. With a mouth wider than the length of its body, and a voracious appetite to boot, these frogs can consume prey as large as small reptiles and rodents. This species is widely distributed in the Amazon Basin, but nowhere particularly abundant. Yasuní National Park, Ecuador.
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  • Flower mantis (Theopropus elegans), female. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • This Collared Nightjar (Gactornis enarratus), a Madagascar endemic, hides itself among the leaf litter of the forest floor while it sleeps. Placed in its own genus, this species is distinct from all other nightjars (family Caprimulgidae) by its plumage, eggs, and behavior. Mantadia National Park, Madagascar.
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  • Leaf katydid (Cratioma oculatum), female. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Leaf katydid (Tympanophyllum arcufolium), female. Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Common Mormon Swallowtail (Papilio polytes). This young butterfly caterpillar avoids predation by appearing unappealingly similar to a bird dropping. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Superbly adapted for its specific microhabitat, this Bornean Bark Mantis (Theopompa borneana) blends almost seamlessly with the tree where it lives. These efficient predators hunt for insects on the sides of trees using their superb vision, speed, and spiny raptorial front legs. Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Leaf-like pygmy grasshopper (Holoarcus belingae). Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Net-casting Spider (Deinopis madagascariensis), at rest. Isalo National Park, Madagascar.
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  • Parastheneboea neglecta, a rare stick insect known from only a few specimens from the rainforest of western Borneo. Batang Ai, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Sphinx moth (Marumba tigrina). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Leaf insect (Phyllium agnesagamaae) , male. Unlike their larger and more heavily bodied female counterparts, male Leaf Insects (family Phyllidae) have fully developed wings and are capable of flight. Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Mantis (Mythomantis serrata). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Bagworm caterpillars (moths of the family Psychidae) are known for their habit of hiding themselves in a portable shelter of plant materials that they secure with silken threads, with each species having its own preference of design. This species begins with small accurately trimmed twigs formed in a 3-sided spiral pyramid, and adds additional larger twigs at the end as the caterpillar grows in size, in a masterful example of miniature craftsmanship. East Kalimantan, Indonesia (Borneo).
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  • An undescribed species of moss-mimicking stick insect from the montane forest of Sulawesi. South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
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  • Sunda Frogmouth (Batrachostomus cornutus), female. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Mossy masquerade: a young Moss Mimic Katydid (Championica montana) doing what it does best. If you specialize in eating moss it’s a big plus if you look like it as well. In the damp cloud forests of Costa Rica, every surface is covered with dripping wet bryophytes, such as the leaf this katydid is perched on. Although abundant, it’s not the most energy rich food in the world, so these insects conserve their energy by moving slowly while they graze. Faced with a potential threat, they simply lay flat against the mossy substrate and disappear. Limón, Costa Rica.
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  • Mangrove Jewel Bug (Calliphara nobilis). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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