crypsis

noun

cryp·​sis ˈkrip-səs 

: 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

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

… 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

Examples of crypsis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Analyses of fur color and background environments suggest that the giant panda’s white face, nape, dorsum, flank, belly, and rump are adapted for crypsis against a snowy background, whereas its black shoulders and legs are adapted for crypsis in shade. —Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2017

An ambusher's arsenal: chemical crypsis in the puff adder (Bitis arietans). —Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 21 Dec. 2015

Dark markings on the head are not used in crypsis, however, but in communication: Dark ears may be involved with signaling intent about ferocity whereas dark eye marks may serve in individual recognition. —Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2017

Generally, researchers said crypsis is found in prey species and ambush predators. —Lee Roop | [e-mail], al, 20 Dec. 2022

This phenomenon, known as crypsis, is also responsible for the bold black-and-white coloration of giant pandas, reports the Times. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Dec. 2022

On the face of it, this is a classic evolutionary story, and a cut-and-dried case: the mantis has evolved to mimic the flower as a form of crypsis — enabling it to hide among its petals, feeding upon insects that are attracted by the flower. —James Gilbert, Discover Magazine, 27 Jan. 2015

Word History

Etymology

cryp(tic) + -sis, or borrowed from Greek krýpsis "hiding, concealment," from kryp- (stem of krýptein "to hide, conceal") + -sis -sis — more at crypt

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above