Spots and stripes are both a type of camouflage called disruptive coloration. The spots and stripes break up what would otherwise be a solid color, making the animal look less like a large target and help it blend into the background. Spots are especially useful for hiding in long grass.

Why do leopards have spots and tigers have stripes?

The main purpose of these animals having patterns on their body is to help them camouflage. The shadow seen below trees is spotted with light. ... Leopards tend to hunt in foliage as they can quickly escape to trees if any potential dangers is sensed by it. Tigers hunt on plain ground covered with tall grass.

What are the spots on a leopard?

Leopard Spots

Most leopards are light colored with distinctive dark spots that are called rosettes, because they resemble the shape of a rose. Black leopards, which appear to be almost solid in color because their spots are hard to distinguish, are commonly called black panthers.