The Element of Disguise
For some animals, matching color or patterns to their surroundings isn't enough. Their survival has depended on a full-fledged disguise. Some animals have adapted to take on the appearance of something else altogether. One of the most famous examples of this sort of impressionist is the walking stick. This insect looks like an ordinary twig. A predator can easily distinguish a walking stick from its surroundings, but the predator thinks it's only a stick, and so ignores it. You can also see this sort of camouflage in some katydid species, which have evolved so that they look just like tree leaves.

Photo courtesy David Parks A cryptic frog - This species has developed a coloring, texture and form that are similar to the leaves found in its environment.

Other animals use a more aggressive sort of mimicry. These animals pose as some other type of animal - usually one that is poisonous, dangerous or at least unappetizing. For example, the back of the hawk moth caterpillar actually looks like a snake's head. This is a frightening vision for most predators the moth would normally face. Mimicry is a different approach than ordinary camouflage, but it works toward the same outcome. By developing a certain appearance, an animal species makes itself a harder target for predators. In different areas around the world, you'll see all sorts of variations and combinations on the basic elements of camouflage. As animal species evolve, they become more and more in tune with their environment. Often, these sorts of adaptations are more effective survival tools than the sharpest teeth, claws and beaks could ever be. After all, being entirely overlooked by a predator is much better than having to put up a fight.

Chameleon Karma Photo courtesy David Parks Possibly the most famous color-changer, the chameleon can make its skin appear an incredible range of colors, including yellow, green, brown, blue, red, and even white or black. Surprisingly, chameleons do not do this for camouflaging purposes. The color switch is actually influenced by changes in surrounding temperature, light and mood. Yes, mood! Instead of a mood ring, a chameleon's skin is like a "mood suit." This special effect is a great communication tool. It's sort of like when a person smiles or frowns at another person. When someone smiles at you, you know he or she is happy. And when someone frowns, you know he or she is either sad or angry. Chameleons can communicate similar attitudes. However, instead of using a tilt of their mouths, they use color to convey their emotions.