Motion camouflage
Encyclopedia
Motion camouflage is a dynamic type of camouflage
by which an object can approach a target while appearing to remain stationary from the perspective of the target. The attacking object simply remains on the line between the target and some landmark point, so it seems to stay near the landmark point from the target's perspective. The only visible evidence that the attacker is moving would be its angle and its looming
, the change in size as the attacker approaches. First discovered in certain flies, it has been suggested that missiles could use similar techniques to reduce the time available to targets to respond.
Motion camouflage has also been observed in territorial battles between dragonflies, where researchers indicated that 6 of 15 encounters involved motion camouflage.
Camouflage
Camouflage is a method of concealment that allows an otherwise visible animal, military vehicle, or other object to remain unnoticed, by blending with its environment. Examples include a leopard's spotted coat, the battledress of a modern soldier and a leaf-mimic butterfly...
by which an object can approach a target while appearing to remain stationary from the perspective of the target. The attacking object simply remains on the line between the target and some landmark point, so it seems to stay near the landmark point from the target's perspective. The only visible evidence that the attacker is moving would be its angle and its looming
Looming
Looming is a term found in the study of perception, as it relates directly to Psychology. Looming refers to the rapid expansion in the size of any given image...
, the change in size as the attacker approaches. First discovered in certain flies, it has been suggested that missiles could use similar techniques to reduce the time available to targets to respond.
Biological examples
Motion camouflage was discovered by Srinivasan and Davey in 1995 who were studying mating behavior in hoverflies. The male hoverfly appeared to be using the tracking technique to approach prospective mates.Motion camouflage has also been observed in territorial battles between dragonflies, where researchers indicated that 6 of 15 encounters involved motion camouflage.