Liars, cheats and copycats: Trickery deception in nature

Popular science writer James O'Hanlon introduces readers to a smorgasbord of creatures who use disguise, camouflage, mimicry and misdirection to beat their predators. Meet some of the world’s most dastardly creatures, who lie, cheat and deceive for a living. There’s the deadly praying mantis that looks like an innocent pink flower. The assassin bug that strums spider webs to lure in a tasty snack. The cuttlefish that changes colour to hide its romantic intentions. To understand how these creatures swindle their way to the top, Liars, Cheats and Copycats reveals the science behind camouflage, mimicry and masquerade. Taking readers on a journey from tropical rainforests to the darkness of deep ocean trenches, James O’Hanlon explores how animals and plants use deception to avoid predators, lure in prey and even reproduce. From creatures that disappear in front of your eyes to ones that misdirect their foes like masterful magicians, there are endless ways that animals can swindle their way to survival.

Pagina's: 248, Paperback, NewSouth Publishing