Disruptive coloration (also known as
disruptive camouflage or
disruptive patterning) is a form of
camouflage that works by breaking up the outlines of an animal, soldier or military vehicle with a strongly contrasting pattern. It is often combined with other methods of
crypsis including background colour matching and
countershading. It appears paradoxical as a way of not being seen, since disruption of outlines depends on high contrast, so the patches of colour are themselves conspicuous.