# Crypsis

By [sanji](https://paragraph.com/@sanji) · 2022-12-11

---

In [ecology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecology), **crypsis** is the ability of an animal or a plant[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crypsis#cite_note-Gianoli-1) to avoid observation or detection by other animals. It may be a [predation strategy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aggressive_mimicry) or an [antipredator adaptation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antipredator_adaptation). Methods include [camouflage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camouflage), [nocturnality](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nocturnality), [subterranean](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/subterranean) lifestyle and [mimicry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batesian_mimicry). Crypsis can involve visual, olfactory (with [pheromones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pheromone)) or auditory concealment. When it is visual, the term **cryptic coloration**, effectively a synonym for animal camouflage, is sometimes used, but many different [methods of camouflage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_camouflage_methods) are employed by animals or plants.

---

*Originally published on [sanji](https://paragraph.com/@sanji/crypsis)*