Guwahati: A walk through a forest is rarely quiet. Look closer, and the landscape seems alive with insects flashing vibrant colours, while others vanish into the bark, leaves, and soil. For decades, evolutionary biologists have debated why some species evolve to hide in plain sight through camouflage while others adopt bright warning colours to ward off predators.
Now, a landmark global experiment published in Science offers new answers. The study shows that the effectiveness of these survival strategies depends heavily on ecological context—ranging from the type of predators to the light environment of the habitat.
The research, led by Dr. Iliana Medina of the University of Melbourne and Dr. William Allen of Swansea University, tested more than 15,000 artificial prey models in forest habitats across six continents.
The prey came in three colour patterns: a dull brown that blended with surroundings, a classic orange-and-black warning pattern, and a novel bright blue-and-black design. These dummy insects were placed in natural settings, where predators like birds and lizards encountered them. Researchers then recorded which models survived and which were attacked.
The results revealed that predator behaviour has the greatest influence. Where predators competed fiercely for food, they were more likely to risk attacking even brightly coloured prey that might be toxic or distasteful. In these areas, camouflage proved most effective.
But camouflage was not always a winning strategy. In brightly lit environments, camouflaged prey stood out and were attacked more than warning-coloured prey. In contrast, in darker or denser forests, camouflage was more successful.
Another factor was predator familiarity. In areas where camouflaged prey were abundant, predators learned to detect them more easily, reducing their effectiveness. Conversely, where warning-coloured prey were common, predators avoided them.
“This helps explain why we see both camouflaged and warning-coloured animals all over the world,” said lead author Dr. William Allen. “The predator community, prey community, and habitat all shape which strategy is more effective.”
The Indian contribution to this international project was coordinated by Dr. Krushnamegh Kunte at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru.
His team included PhD students Viraj Nawge, Arka Pal, Archan Paul, and Sarika Baidya, who deployed artificial prey in Indian forests and documented predator responses.
“This work gave us young PhD students an invaluable opportunity to participate in a global experiment,” said Nawge. “It helped us experience the true excitement of researching how animals defend themselves against omnipresent predators.”
Dr. Kunte praised both the scientific insights and the training value. “It is rare that we gain such deep insights into how animals—especially insects, which make up much of the Earth’s biodiversity—evolve defensive strategies across broad habitats,” he said. “Guiding students through such meaningful work was a great pleasure.”s
Co-lead author Dr. Iliana Medina emphasized the importance of international cooperation. “Some questions in ecology involve so many variables that only global collaboration can bring us closer to answers,” she said. “It was a pleasure to work with such a diverse group of colleagues.”
The findings shed light not just on insects but on evolutionary strategies across species. By showing how predator behaviour and environmental conditions shape survival tactics, the study helps explain the wide distribution of camouflaged and warning-coloured animals worldwide.
Researchers say the results will be especially useful in the tropics, where insect diversity, predator pressure, and habitat variety are at their peak. Understanding these dynamics can also inform conservation by predicting how species might adapt—or struggle—under changing environmental conditions.
From the canopy of rainforests to the undergrowth of Indian woodlands, the study underscores a simple but powerful message: survival strategies are never one-size-fits-all. Nature’s choices—whether to hide or to dazzle—depend on who is hunting, where they are hunting, and what they have learned.
Also Read: The cries of the jungle: Tripura’s wild elephants are facing a severe crisis
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