A rare perfectly camouflaged moth, Tsumaki Schachihoko is found in Japan and it features an impressive natural disguise that makes it look like small twigs. Found in various forested areas of Japan, this moth manages to protect itself from predators by mimicking a small twig fragment.
From afar, it is impossible to detect the differences of an actual twig to the moth itself as it shares the same imperfections such as chipped back and brownish ends.
Here is a video of Tsumaki Schachihoko:
This rare species of Lobster Moth inhabits up to an altitude over 1000 meters of flatlands and mountains of Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Tsushima. It measures between 20 mm to 25 mm in length and it has a short lifespan of two weeks to a month only.
Tsumaki Schahihoko’s wings overlap in order to create a cylindrical shape and the brown endings are jagged to mimic a piece of twig. Even the end of its wings is chipped to match with. From up close, it is still hard to spot a difference but the only thing you can look for is its small legs. Although the legs are small and almost unnoticeable, it is the only thing that could tell the insect apart from an actual twig fragment.
The intriguing feature of its natural camouflage comes in hand when they are trying to avoid predators. It is unsure if predator evasion is the main reason for the moth’s look but it is certainly the most credible scientific explanation.
Sources: Oddity Central