Figure 1.

Examples of disruptive coloration (all adapted from Cott 1940), showing the five sub-principles involved. (a) Differential blending, where at least some markings blend into the background ((i),(ii)) or all markings blend into at least some of the background colours ((iii); see main text for details). (b(i),(ii)) Maximum disruptive contrast, where adjacent patterns have high contrast. (c(i)–(iii)) Disruptive marginal patterns, where markings touch the outline of the body. (c(i)) is merely to illustrate the shape of the entire object. (d(i)–(iv)) Disruption of surface, with markings placed away from the body margins creating false edges. (e) Coincident disruptive contrast, where markings cross over and join otherwise revealing body parts, such as wings or legs.