Mimic Octopus

Octopuses are thought to be one of the most intelligent invertebrates and can change the color and texture of their skin to blend in with rocks, algae, or coral to avoid predators. But until now, an octopus with the ability to actually assume the appearance of another animal had never been observed.

"Having studied many octopus species in the wild, I am never surprised by the color and shape change capacities of these animals," said Mark Norman of the Melbourne Museum in Australia. "However, this animal stood out as it was the only one we've encountered that goes beyond camouflage to take on the guise of dangerous animals."

Norman and fellow researchers Julian Finn of the University of Tasmania in Australia and Tom Tregenza of the University of Leeds in England describe the octopus mimic in the September 7 issue of Proceedings of the Royal Society of London.

"This," Tregenza said, "is a rather dramatic animal."

Talented Impersonator

Mimicry is a fairly common survival strategy in nature. Certain flies, for example, assume the black and yellow stripes of bees as a warning to potential predators. But the adaptable octopus is the first known species that can assume multiple guises. LINK: Youtube

Caterpillar Camouflage

There’s a caterpillar in this photograph taken in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia. Can you see it? Better yet, can you identify it? From Flickr user WohinAuswandern. Link, -Via: TYWKIWDBI, Via: Neatorama

Giant walking stick insect

“They’re masters of disguise and are so fascinating!” LINK, Via: Youtube

Beautiful Snow Animals

“Animals that live in the Arctic are adapted to extreme conditions. Many animals who overwinter in the Arctic have a coat that thickens and changes color to white during the winter as camouflage in the snow… Here are top 10 beautiful snow animals.” LINK

Theloderma corticale - the Mossy Frog

Photo credit: Mateusz Konstanty.

The common name of the mossy frog arises from the fact that its skin is a mottled green and black that resembles moss growing on rock, and forms an effective form of camouflage. Link, Via: Wikipedia

Camouflage Art by Liu Bolin

Inspired by how some animals can blend into their environment, Liu Bolin from China uses camouflage principles to create amazing contemporary art. LINK

Camouflaged Animals in their Natural Environment

In this set by photographer Art Wolfe, it's really difficult to spot camouflaged animals in their natural environment. As you can see, their evasive defensive mechanism is so impressive we probably wouldn't notice them unless someone pointed them out. LINK

Find the Girls

Check out this cool body art that makes these girls blend quite well into the surroundings. LINK

Camouflage Spiders

An awesome photo collection of Camouflage Spiders doing their thing. LINK

"Camouflaged Animals"

These animals have a great defense mechanism in that they can blend into their natural environment. More pictures Via: ebaumsworld

"People Camouflage"

Camouflage is used to disguised oneself so that they are not noticable when blending into the environment to conceal their shape. Check out some interesting ways of people camouflaging. More cool pictures in this link.