Dressing Smart

Evolution has given insects two opposite directions to take in adapting their outer appearance, either toward conspicuous imitation or toward invisibility.

Wasp Mimic Fly, Spilomyia longicornis

In the last "Note from Halibut Point" we took a look at wasps that advertise themselves because of their stinging capability. They warn potential predators of a price to be paid for any harm.

Hover Fly, Epistrophe grossulariae

A number of defenseless flies have borrowed those black and yellow stripes for their own protection.

Thick-headed Fly, Physocephala tibialis

Taking on the thin-waisted waspy shape of a wasp also helps to ward off danger. How would you know at a glance that this is a fly rather than a wasp? Flies (members of the Diptera family with only two wings rather than four) have sucking rather than biting mouthparts and feathery rather than thread-like antennae.

Grapeleaf Skeletonizer Moth, Harrisina americana

A similar evolutionary procedure has undoubtedly benefited  this moth species.

European Woolcarder Bee, Anthidium manicatum

Certain bees get an advantage from their waspy pattern and coloration.

Bee Fly, Mallota bautias

Similarly, mimicking the appearance of a bumblebee has served this fly well.

Slender Meadow Katydid, Conocephalus fasciatus

Taking quite an opposite approach are those creatures that simply try to blend in.

Changeable Grass-veneer, Fissicrambus mutabilis

The Grass-veneer moth's name reflects its canny merger of appearance to environment.

Treehopper, Entylia carinata

If this Treehopper hadn't moved from a woody surface to a green leaf I might not have seen it at all.

Two-striped Planthopper, Acanalonia conica

Its planthopper relatives escape attention by imitating the leaf itself.

Northern Walkingstick, Diapheromera femorata

Walkingsticks successfully draw on both these strategies to blend into the shrubbery.

Goldenrod Crab Spider, Misumena vatia

On the offensive end there are predators that utilize principles of camouflage to wait in ambush for unsuspecting prey.

All these and many more combinations of appearance and behavior show the vast diversity of adaptations that have evolved in the animal world to further their survival.