Most insects are very small. They are prey animals. They can't defend themselves. They need a way to protect themselves from predators. Some types of insects have some very special ways of staying safe in the wild!
The thorn bug stays safe by using camouflage. That means that it hides itself.
The thorn bug's back is the shape of a thorn. When it is on a branch, it looks like it is part of the branch!
Little bugs are food for birds and small animals. But looking like a thorn protects them. Predators don't want to get hurt, so they don't bite them.
The dead leaf mantis is a master at camouflage. It looks like it is covered in a pile of dead leaves. In fact, some of the "leaves" are parts of its body.
It hides itself from predators, but also prey. It uses its disguise to hide from its prey. It can attack without the prey knowing.
Stick insects are difficult to see. They look just like - you guessed it - a stick. They have long, thin bodies.
They spend most of their time in trees. If a predator grabs one of its legs, it isn't a problem. It can let it go and grow another one!
It's difficult to see an insect here. If you look closely, you will see a sand grasshopper. This little insect looks like a pebble on the beach.
The sand grasshopper lives in The USA and Canada. They are pests to farmers. They eat wheat and other crops.
Some insects are transparent to hide themselves. You can see right through them. It makes it difficult to attack them.
The glasswing butterfly is an example. You can see through its wings. They may look like they don't work. But they are strong enough to hold their body weight. When it flies through the forest, it almost cannot be seen.
Insects have amazing ways of hiding. Look around you next time you go for a walk. Maybe you will spot some new insects!