Mimicry and Camouflage

Browse images and information about the Museum and Archive collections here.

The best way for an insect to hide from something that wants to eat it, or sneak up on its dinner, is to pretend to be something else! So, looking like a stick, a leaf, or a flower is very useful!

Madagascan Ghost Mantid

This amazing looking insect blends in to the background perfectly when on plants.


Praying Mantis

This is a very common species in Europe, and can be found in all the Mediterranean countries.


Buff Tip Moth



Puss Moth

The Puss Moth caterpillar feeds on Aspen, Willow etc. It pupates inside a cocoon made of bark fragments and leaves.