The astonishing mimicry and hidden beauty of the Indian Leaf Butterfly (Kallima paralekta). Their wings allow them to mimic a dead leaf when closed, helping them hide from predators.

Video credit: _melissa_yung_/ig

Melissa Yung on Instagram: "Look carefully, is it just a leaf? This Indian Leaf Butterfly (Kallima paralekta) might look dull and ugly when it closes its wings, but when it spreads its wings and shows the upper surface, you will be amazed by its magnificent colour. Their wings allow them to mimic as a dead leaf when their wings are held closed during resting position, this brilliant design of their wings helps them to hide themselves from predators. #Zoology #Animal #Entomology #insect #insectlover #Lepidoptera #nymphalidae #butterfly #butterflylover #butterflyofinstagram #indianleafbutterfly #Kallima #Kallimalimborgii @9gag #Melissaandanimals"

June 24, 2018 - 565 likes, 39 comments - Melissa Yung (@_melissa_yung_) on Instagram: "Look carefully, is it just a leaf? This Indian Leaf Butterfly (Kallima paralekta) might look dul..."

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@wonderofscience new favorote butterfly!
@wonderofscience I just got chills. That's one of the most gorgeous things I've ever seen.