Crypsis in a Lizard

Cryptic coloration in a lizard from the southwestern United States. Cryptic coloration involves not only matching background colors (in this case greys and browns) but also having a pattern of spots and lines, which break up the outline of the animal's body.

Brokenness of body pattern is important in considering how predators form search images for their prey. Other examples include zebra and many vipers.

Crypsis is usually most effective when an animal is still. If it forages during daylight, cryptic animals may be sit and wait predators, taking advantage of the fact that they blend into their background. Alternatively, crypsis may be important while the animal is inactive, and it may be more of an active predator in darkness.

Newberry RC, Shackleton DM 1997 Use of visual cover by domestic fowl: A Venetian blind effect? ANIM BEHAV 54: 387-395