by Michelle Reed

Created on: June 28, 2008   Last Updated: June 30, 2008

Throughout the diverse food web of life, animals and insects can be predator or prey. Because of this uncertain life, each species have developed adaptations to survive. Whether they are hunting or being hunted, the use of unique characteristics will aid in hiding them from other animals or insects.

Using a form of camouflage is a technique that many small species have evolved to avoid the potential predator. Being able to blend in to your environment, or even taking on the look of a part of its realized niche in the environment will hide most species right out in the open. A chameleon, octopus, cuttlefish, or squid is very adept at blending into their environment. Chromatophores located along the inside of their skin allow these creatures to change their coloring to blend in to the environment they are in. A chameleon will take on the look of leaves or bark of a tree and be able to sit in the open, enjoying the sunshine. Marine species, like the cephalopods listed above can change their coloring very quickly to look like vegetation or the ocean floor. Not only are these animals hiding from predators, but they are able to hunt unsuspecting prey that crosses their paths. If the species can resemble a part of their environment, like a walking stick or a katydid (resembles leaves), they will confuse a predator also.

Cryptic coloration by the use of countershading is an adaptation that many species use to hide within their environment. Frogs use a color pattern of their environment to hide their eggs from predators. The top of the egg will be dark while the underside will be light. This will keep a predator from seeing the egg from above the water or below. A more dangerous predator, a shark uses this to camouflage themselves. From above, the top of the shark will blend in with the deeper water, but from underneath it will appear lighter like the surface waters. When another fish or mammal realizes the shark is close to them, it is already too late.

Coloration patterns are also used to lure in a potential prey or divert a predator. Some species of insects have a camouflage that will distract a predator from the hunt. Bright flashes created from hidden parts of their skin can divert a predator from eating them, or confuse them long enough for the insect to escape. This is also used by animals to catch the attention of a predator away from their young or a nest. Mussels, like the Higgins eye pearly mussel can lure in a pike with the shiny, slivery sac filled with its

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