Mimicry - hiding in plain sightCamouflage, Copying and Pretense - Three Strategies for SurvivalMany animals and insects use mimicry to prevent other creatures from eating them, and in some cases also to find mates.Insects such as butterflies and moths sometimes use the ruse of a pair of eyes on their hind wings to attract predators to peck or bite the expendable wings instead of their bodies. Interested in butterflies? See the Insect Encyclopedia for more. Other insects count on camouflage to protect them, and some moths can actually evolve to change their colouring depending on their surroundings. This special adaptation was noticed in Victorian London, as the buildings became dirtied from soot and pollution during the industrial revolution. A certain moth, usually only seen in a pale form, gradually became darker and darker so as to remain hidden against the darkening buildings. 
Other insects such as clearwings which are actually a type of moth have evolved to look just like a bee, with the same body shape and colouring as a bumble bee. They fly and bumble around just like a bee too. The resemblance is almost eerie. The hawk moth mimics a hummingbird, flitting from flower to flower of alfalfa and others – during the daytime. It’s long proboscis or tongue does the same job of a hummingbird too. Katy-dids are a relative of crickets, and are very hard to spot. They not only look just like a leaf in shape and colour, they even sway in imitation of a leaf being blown in the breeze. Did You Know?Lizards have a special safety characteristic – their tail is very loosely attached, and if a predator happens to catch them, the tail is ejected and wiggles around, distracting the predator; the lizard escapes with his life, and he grows a new tail. It can take up to two months to fully grow a new one, and sometimes you’ll see one with its replacement partially grown.
Mimicry is also found in reptiles like lizards and snakes that pretend they are part of a piece of wood. Until they move, it’s impossible to spot them, they blend in so well. Female Alligator Lizards bask on logs or rocks so the warmth helps gestate the live young lizards they carry. Even garter snakes, with their bright red, yellow and blue colouring, are hard to see as the markings break up the outline of their bodies. Some plants also use mimicry to prevent predation. The living stone, Lithops, is a good example of this type of camouflage. They do indeed look exactly like a pebble amongst many other real pebbles, with markings that make them resemble the fissures in a real rock on the ground. Mimicry, or imitation is more than the sincerest form of flattery; it’s a survival strategy that protects wild creatures from predators, as well as inspire us with the awe of seeing nature at its finest. Keep your eyes open for mimicry in action in your xeric garden.
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Wildlife and Birds
Important Visitors to your Xeric Garden
Don't be too quick to condemn insects or spiders - they are useful too. Trying to find out what kind of insects you have? Check the Insect Encyclopedia. Look for your spider on the Spider Identification page.
Many prey insects such as aphids will be attracted to dill or other nectar producing plants. In turn, they will feed wasps, crickets, ladybugs and many other beneficial insects.
You may find that hedgerows are not limited to wildlife habitat, they are also valuable for growing craft supplies.
Xeric gardens truly are the multi-taskers of the the natural world.
Find all pages to do with wildlife in your xeric garden on the Wildlife Site Map.
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