I WONDER - How Can Insects Camouflage?

Insects like stick bugs and leaf bugs use camouflage to mimic leaves or twigs, helping them avoid predators. These adaptations allow them to blend seamlessly into their environments, a trait that has evolved based on their specific habitats. Globally, there are approximately 30 species of leaf bugs, each uniquely adapted to their surroundings.

What is the primary reason some insects resemble leaves or twigs?

• To avoid predators

• To regulate temperature

• To find food

• To attract mates

What is a common feature of stick bugs and leaf bugs?

• They all have wings

• They are all nocturnal

• They are all found in deserts

• They mimic natural elements like leaves or twigs

How do these insects benefit from looking like their surroundings?

• They can move faster

• They can change colors

• They become invisible to predators

• They can fly longer distances

Approximately how many species of leaf bugs exist worldwide?

• 40

• 30

• 20

• 10

Why do leaf bugs look different in various habitats?

• To match the specific plants in their environment

• To confuse other insects

• To change their diet

• To attract different types of predators