Nature's Masters of Camouflage

While militaries around the world try to perfect the art of camouflage, many animals are masters of disguise. For most animals you're either the predator or the prey and while some are able to fight off an attack, for others the best form of defence is to simply disappear.

Owls

source

These owls blend amazingly in with their surroundings and if you were passing by you'd probably never know they were there.

Satanic Leaf-Tailed Gecko

source

This little master of disguise is native to the tropical forests of Madagascar. It's flat leaf-like tail and amazing camouflage abilities allows it to easily blend in with bushes and trees.

source

It was named 'the satanic leaf-tailed gecko' by researchers because of it's horned forehead and devilish red eyes.

Speckled Sanddab

source

The speckled sanddab changes it's colour and pattern to match the ground below it. It also matches the lightness or the darkness of the sand or gravel.

Leaf Bug and Stick Insect

source

source

As their names suggest,the leaf bug and stick insect would blend in perfectly with any foliage, whether up in a tree or down in the bushes.

Orchid Mantis

source

This beautiful little mantis is almost unnoticable between these flowers.

Desert Spider

source

Lichen Spider

source

These spiders will have you thinking twice before walking barefoot or bumping into trees.

These are just some of the creatures that are out there with amazing camouflage abilities, so next time you're out in the great outdoors keep your eyes open for some amazing little creatures that might be hiding in plain sight.