By Tom Koritansky, Director of Park Operations

In nature, some animals have evolved really clever tactics to avoid becoming something else’s snack. These adaptations can include behavioral traits to scare away predators or anatomical adaptations to give these animals an advantage in evading their pursuers. Adaptations in coloration and body shape to either stand out or blend in help organisms survive the perils of life in the wild. Some animals present bright colors to warn predators that trying to pursue them might not be such a good idea, while others have perfected the art of not being seen or fooling others into thinking they’re something else. While these traits and tactics are found throughout the animal kingdom, invertebrates showcase these adaptations in some truly amazing ways. Their deception schemes take on many forms that confuse potential predators and make casual observers and even well-trained eyes take a second look. 

Some animals mimic others as a way to protect themselves from predators. There are many forms of mimicry. Animals that are mimics develop traits to either look, sound, smell or behave like something else. Some mimics (insects in particular) have evolved to look like other predators, and others have evolved bodies that resemble completely different organisms and objects. These insects are true masters of disguise!

One example of mimicry in insects is the monarch and viceroy. Monarchs feed entirely on milkweed that makes them toxic to predators. Viceroys are also unpalatable since they sequester salicylic acid from the foods eaten by caterpillars that include plants of the willow family. In this case, their similarly-evolved bright orange and black coloration makes them quite visible and their shared predators know to avoid them—benefiting both species. 

Monarch

Viceroy

Other insects are more intricately disguised and resemble other species. Some species of robber flies for example closely resemble bumble bees. These voracious predators feed on a variety of insects that include honeybees, wasps, and other insects. By mimicking a bumble bee, a robber fly is able to fool an unsuspecting bee that will make quite a tasty meal. 

Robber fly

Some insects take mimicry to extreme levels by resembling things so obscure they’re likely missed by other organisms. The giant swallowtail caterpillar is just one example. Unlike other caterpillars that feed on the underside of leaves to keep out of view of predators, giant swallowtails feed on the top side of leaves. Mimicking the appearance of bird droppings, these masters of disguise are well equipped to fool potential predators. There are also several other moth species that have adapted similar colorations and body plans.

Giant swallowtail caterpillar

Looper moth caterpillars and walking sticks are other examples of extreme insect mimics. When searching for these creatures, one has to look closely because they can easily be mistaken for just another extension of a tree branch.

Looper moth caterpillar

While some insects have adpated intricate bodies to conceal their true identities, others are more simply cloaked in colors and patterns that make them easily hidden in plain sight. Grasshoppers and katydids are just two examples. The shades of green that jacket the greater anglewing katydid keep it well hidden among grasses and leafy vegetation. Grasshoppers are also similarly camouflaged to blend in with their surroundings. 

Greater anglewing katydid

All of these insects can be found in Lake Metroparks, but you’ll have to look carefully to find them. The appearance of some insects can be quite deceiving, and that deception is intentional and necessary for their survival. The next time you’re out in the parks check out a low-hanging branch on a tree to see if there are any “moving twigs” or take a glance in some tall grass to see if you can spot a katydid well hidden. You never know what you might uncover.