Insects Camouflage picturesAdvanced Photoshop Pictures Contest - 12 image entries
Contest Directions:  [ Camouflage shapes and coloring was successful evolutionary strategy for many insects, which allowed them to blend with environment and hide from predators. ]
In related news, scientists report that bedbugs in Brooklyn hotels blend perfectly with room environment - they have a shape, size, and look of hotel beds.
In this contest you are asked to photoshop any insects giving them camouflage (in coloring or shape) to blend with environment (house, nature, office, etc.)
[ browse best gallery pictures ] Tags: insects camouflage
Jackpot: 1st place: $5, 2nd place: $3 , 3rd place: $2
Started: 12/28/2006 6:00:00 AM, Ended: 12/30/2006 6:00:00 AM
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| This contest is fueled by the following news: |
| | A fossil of a leaf-imitating insect from 47 million years ago bears a striking resemblance to the mimickers of today.
The discovery represents the first fossil of a leaf insect, and also shows that leaf imitation is an ancient and successful evolutionary strategy that has been conserved over a relatively long period of time.
Scientists led by Sonja Wedmann of the Institute of Paleontology in Bonn, Germany, unearthed the remains at a well-known fossil site called Messel, in Hessen, Germany.
The 2.4-inch-long insects had physical characteristics similar to the oblong leaves of trees living there at the time, including Myrtle trees, legumes, such as alfalfa, and Laurel trees.
It also shared features with modern insect relatives in size, shape, and the designs used for camouflage. For instance, the fossil had foliage-like extensions from its abdomen.
During the day to hide from overhead predators, a leaf insect can stay still for long periods of time, tucking its head into its body to strengthen the leafy appearance. The fossil insect apparently did the same, as the scientists found its fore legs were curved and formed a notch where the insect’s head could be inserted.
At night, when the nocturnal bugs are active they rock back and forth like a leaf fluttering in the wind.
The cryptic appearance has changed little since the Eocene times, suggested the researchers in this week’s issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. |
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