Why do some insects look like leaves?

Question

I'm in biology rite now and were studying Natural Selection/Evolution. I have to write a 1 page essay on why some insects looks like leaves....

Answer 1

If you are a predator you are looking for something that does not blend in and you can spot. If you are the pray and look like a leaf or a twig than the predator will not spot you or will have a MUCH harder time spotting you. Our army men wear fatigues that look like their surroundings this is called Camouflage. Here are a few sites to help you understand it more. Might get you a few extra credits? Maybe
Good luck!!!!

Answer 2

To camouflage themselves. Some insects look like leaves, while others look like something else, a stick for instance. There is this particular insect, which i can't recall the name, that looks exactly like a leaf. This insect can hide among the leaves that look like its body to hide from predators, like birds. Some insects use their caumoflage to prey on other aminals. For instance, the preying mantis may look like a leaf to other insects when it is surrounded by leaves. When these insects, like flies, get close to the mantis, the mantis traps it and eats it for lunchy. Check out these pictures I found on Insects that look like... well, something else.

Answer 3

it's all about survival, my man. Its either they need to eat or not get eaten. I once saw a show that explained why a certain pupa camouflages itself to look like a bird poop. Who'd wanna eat... let alone touch one of those things. Unless you're a farmer looking for a great fertilizer recipe, you're not gonna go anywhere near 'em.

Answer 4

1. For protection from predators.
2. Becasue they *are* predators and benefit from being invisible to prey.

Answer 5

probably for camoflouge