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Nature is fascinating, and some of Nature’s best work—or evolution rather—is illustrated by a group of animals that have evolved adapted to mimic leaves. Leaf mimics employ a heightened form of camouflage to evade detection from predators or prey. These animals make use of extraordinary color patterns, in addition to modified exoskeletons, skin, scales, and behavior to take camouflage to another level.  See more animal camouflage here.

The “dying” leaf-mimic katydid below is a fascinating creature, and evolution natural selection has endowed it with the ability to mimic a dying leaf.

Dead leaf butterflies are extraordinary creatures to observe up close.  The specimen below illustrates the intricate details chiseled out by adaptation through natural selection, which is a driving force of evolution.  The remarkable details help the butterfly evade predation by mimicking a dead leaf.

The images below show various species of leaf mantis. Again, the detail and similarity to vegetation is fascinating.

Another leaf mimic katydid positions itself below.  This specimen mimics a decomposing leaf instead of a dying leaf.

Can you find the leaf mimic frog?  Leaf mimicry isn’t exclusive to insects, since some vertebrates make use of this extreme form of camouflage.

The South American or Amazon leaf fish (Monocirrhus polyacanthus) uses camouflage, mimicry, and stealth to hunt its prey.  It will often sit in the water column at varying angles or sideways mimicking a dead leaf (note the individuals in the background).  Its prey is quickly gulped into its hard to see large mouth.