Nature is fascinating, and some of Nature’s best work is illustrated by animals that have evolved and adapted to mimic leaves. Leaf mimics use an extraordinary type of camouflage to evade detection from predators or prey. These insects mimic leaves by using leaf like color patterns.
As usual I was browsing through my garden for insects when I noticed a small leaf bit on the stalk of the palm. It was unusual for a piece of leaf to be there, On having a closer look I found that it was a bug which was bright green in color with veins mimicking a leaf.
Their eyes are yellow and the head comes to point, giving this insect a torpedo shape and an aerodynamic structure. It is called the Torpedo bug (Siphanta acuta). The name Torpedo bug is believed to be derived from the nymphs ability to jump large distances.
My garden keeps springing up such lovely surprises every now and then, one of the reasons being avoiding pesticides as far as possible . Many insects like the Praying mantis , Palmfly , Giant redeye, Paper wasps , Jumping spiders etc have thrived here and entertained me. Hope to keep discovering !
Scientists have been trying to mimic leaves for a different reason – Energy , for more information click on the links below