crypsis noun, plural crypses, adjective cryptic - in entomology in particular, coloration and pattern that causes an insect to resemble an inedible object, such as a rock, plant, or bird dropping.

Examples of resemblance to vegetation, common among many groups, but especially orthoptera and lepidoptera:

Examples of resemblance to bird droppings, particularly common among moths:

Examples of resemblance to rock or other substrate, rather uncommon, perhaps, but does occur in several groups, and of course many groups have a resemblance to bark:

See Also

mimicry

crypsis

aposematic coloration

Print References

Gordh, A Dictionary of Entomology, p. 246 (1)

Internet References

Wikipedia: Crypsis

Works Cited

1.	A Dictionary of Entomology By George Gordh, David H. Headrick

Contributed by Cotinis on 7 June, 2007 - 2:42am
Last updated 15 November, 2007 - 3:52am

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