Cryptic Colouration Collection

Banded toadfish C014 / 2944
Banded toadfish (Halophryne diemensis) on a coral reef. This bottom-dwelling predatory fish conceals itself on sand on the seafloor where it lies in wait to ambush its prey

Leaf insect
Grays leaf insect. View of the upper side of a leaf insect (Phyllium crucifolium), with its wings spread. This specimen was found in the Seychelles, and has a body length of 11cm

Grays leaf insect. View of the upper side of a male Grays leaf insect (Phyllium bioculatum), with its wings spread. This specimen was found in Sri Lanka, and has a wingspan of 8cm

Ghost insect. View of ghost insect (Prisopus piperinus) camouflaged against a piece of bark. This specimen was found in Amazonian Guyana, and has a body length of 7cm

Giant Malaysian leaf insect. View of the upper side of a giant Malaysian leaf insect (Phyllium giganteum). This specimen was found in Thailand, and has a body length of 12cm

Hump-backed stick insect. View of the upper side of a male hump-backed stick insect (Cranidium gibbosum) with its wings spread. This specimen was found in Amazonian Guyana, and has a wingspan of 10cm

Yellow umbrella stick insect. View of the upper side of a female yellow umbrella stick insect (Tagesoidea nigrofasciata) with its wings spread

Malaysian jungle nymph
Stick insect. View of the upper side of a Malaysian jungle nymph (Heteropteryx dilatata) stick insect (phasmid) with its wings spread. This specimen was found Malaysia, and has a wingspan of 8cm

Pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti) camouflaged on a sea fan coral (Muricella sp.). The colouration and texture of this tiny seahorse have evolved to match the colour and shape of its host coral

Merlets scorpionfish (Rhinopias aphanes). This rare fish inhabits coral reefs in the tropical western Pacific Ocean. It uses its cryptic colouration to hide from both predators and prey

Warty frogfish (Antennarius maculatus) on rocks. This fish is coloured and shaped to look like a piece of sponge or rock. This means it can avoid detection by its prey, smaller fish and crustaceans

Pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti) camouflaged on a sea fan coral (Muricella sp.). These seahorses have scaleless bodies

Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album) resting on Sedum flowers. This butterfly is found throughout Europe and Asia. The commas ragged looking wings resemble a fallen leaf when closed in order to avoid

Banded toadfish (Halophryne diemensis) on a coral reef. This bottom-dwelling predatory fish conceals itself on sand on the seafloor where it lies in wait to ambush its prey

Leopard toadfish (Opsanus pardus) on a seabed. This bottom-dwelling predatory fish conceals itself on sand on the seafloor where it lies in wait to ambush its prey

Goby (Bryaninops sp. ) on a wire coral Wakatobi, Onemobaa Island, Indonesia. Restricted resolution (Please contact us)
Alan James / SplashdownDirect

Goby (Bryaninops sp) Marsa Alarm, Egypt, Red Sea. Restricted Resolution (please contact us)
Alan James / SplashdownDirect

Tiny Red Goby (Pleurosicya sp) Two resting on coral Mabul Island, Borneo, Malaysia. (RR)
Alan James / SplashdownDirect

Pair of wire coral gobies, Bryaninops yongei, on wire coral, Cirripathes anguina, Ailuk atoll, Marshall Islands
Andre Seale / SplashdownDirect

Scorpionfish (Species unknown) with fish louse Wakatobi, Onemobaa Island, Indonesia. (RR)
Alan James / SplashdownDirect

Scorpionfish (Taurulus bubalis) Sardinia, Italy. (RR)
Alan James / SplashdownDirect

Scorpionfish (Scorpaena scropha) Sardinia, Italy. Restricted resolution (please contact us) (RR)
Alan James / SplashdownDirect

Scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa) Sardinia, Italy (RR)
Alan James / SplashdownDirect

Spiny devilfish, Inimicus didactylus, disguised in sand, Puerto Galera, Mindoro, Philippines
Andre Seale / SplashdownDirect

Scorpionfish, Scorpaenopsis sp. Munsom island, Jeju-Do, South Korea (East Sea)
Andre Seale / SplashdownDirect

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

"Unveiling the Art of Cryptic Colouration: Nature's Masterful Disguises" In the vast realm of nature, creatures have evolved extraordinary ways to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Enter the Banded Toadfish C014/2944, a true master of cryptic colouration. With its intricate patterns and hues resembling the surrounding coral reefs, this elusive fish becomes nearly invisible to unsuspecting prey. But it is not just aquatic beings that possess this remarkable ability. Meet the Leaf Insect - an enchanting creature adorned with leaf-like appendages on its body. As it rests motionless on a branch, one could easily mistake it for a mere foliage until movement reveals its true identity. Among these intriguing insects lies the Gray's Leaf Insect, aptly named after its uncanny resemblance to dried leaves scattered across forest floors. Its delicate camouflage allows it to evade predators while remaining inconspicuous in plain sight. Venturing deeper into nature's hidden wonders, we encounter the Ghost Insect – an ethereal being that seems to transcend reality itself. With translucent wings and pale coloration mirroring moonlight, this enigmatic insect effortlessly disappears amidst misty nights. The Giant Malaysian Leaf Insect takes cryptic colouration to new heights with its imposing size and astonishing mimicry skills. Mimicking foliage down to every vein and texture detail, this giant among insects remains undetectable even when towering above other plants. Not far behind is the Hump-backed Stick Insect – a marvel of adaptation with its unique hunchbacked appearance mimicking twigs or branches protruding from trees. This clever disguise ensures survival by blending flawlessly into arboreal habitats where predators roam. Adding a splash of vibrant intrigue are Yellow Umbrella Stick Insects; their bright yellow hue mimics fallen leaves basking under sunlight during autumn days. These captivating creatures showcase how they are take unexpected forms while providing protection in diverse environments.