Muller ran to grab his camera, and then moved in for a closer look. It was a little bug of some kind, one that the Mullers hadn't seen before. His body had a tree-like texture, clearly designed to camouflage him against branches or tree trunks. Where he'd landed that day, however, made him easier to spot. Image credit: DIETER MULLER

"It was out of its camouflaged environment, which was the only way we'd ever see it," Muller said. The tiny master of disguise seemed totally shocked that someone finally noticed him. Interestingly, Muller was apparently not the only one suddenly struck with a feeling of wonderment. The mystery bug appeared to share the feeling. "He was equally curious about this human," Muller said. "You could see it turning its head to look at me and follow my movements."

Muller believes that the bug is a praying mantis of some kind, but he's been unable to nail down which species, despite an extensive search on the internet. "My first thought was that it's a Bark Mantis, but it doesn't quite seem to look the same, so not sure at the moment," Muller said. Though the bug and Muller were both curious about one another, the bug's interest faded faster. After a few minutes, the visit was over.

"It got bored and flew off into a nearby tree, and I totally lost it because of its amazing camouflage," Muller said, adding that, even to this day, his curiosity remains. "It's still amazing to think there are still animals or insects out there that are so rare that people aren't immediately sure what they are! Even with Google around!"