Butterfly News
Answer: It is a Dead Leaf Butterfly. This butterfly exhibits a truly remarkable example of camouflage that has evolved over time. When this butterfly’s wings are closed, it resembles a dried-up leaf and when the wings are opened a spectacular display of color and patterns are displayed. This phenomenon is called “leaf mimicry” and scientists are studying the process by which complex patterns can be displayed on one side of the wings while a drab brown pattern is displayed on the other side. The genus “Kallima” provides a striking example of leaf mimicry. Since this butterfly prefers to feast on fallen fruits on the forest floor, this evolutionary adaptation that allows them to blend in with leaf debris is believed to protect these butterflies from predators.
For more information on the science behind this wing magic, go to: https://bmcecolevol.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s12862-014-0229-5.pdf

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