Definition of crypsis
:the ability of an organism to conceal itself especially from a predator by having a color, pattern, and shape that allows it to blend into the surrounding environment
- … legions of tiny fish and shrimps have evolved to live with impunity among these coral tentacles, escaping predators' notice by resembling their hosts, a feat called crypsis.
- —Les Kaufman, National Geographic, November 2004
- Horned lizards have a delightful variety of defenses. Their primary defense is crypsis; their pattern of coloration varies geographically to match the substrate, and their spines obscure their body outlines, making them difficult to see.
- —Jeff Mitton, Daily Camera (Boulder, Colorado), 1 Oct. 2010
