Leaf mimicry

Leaf mimicry is an evolved resemblance of an organism to a leaf. It can provide camouflage or act as Batesian mimicry when the leaf model is distasteful or chemically defended. Leaf mimics include the vine Boquila trifoliolata and animals such as insects, leaffishes, and toads. The resemblance may involve behaviour, coloration, and body shape. Fossilised leaf-mimicking insects are known from the Jurassic of northeastern China and the Eocene of Germany.

Subclass of

Mimicry

Possible function

Camouflage or Batesian mimicry

Fossil record

Known from the Jurassic and Eocene