Liars, cheats and copycats : trickery and deception in nature / James O'Hanlon.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

O'Hanlon, James, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Animal behavior.

Display behavior in animals.

Mimicry (Biology).

Camouflage (Biology).

Animal defenses.

Animal weapons.

Natural history.

Animals.

camouflage.

natural sciences.

Physical Description:

233 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations ; 21 cm

Place of Publication:

Sydney, NSW : NewSouth Publishing, 2025.

Summary:

"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"--Publisher's description.

Contents:

Introduction

For my first trick, watch this animal... disappear!

The science and art of camouflage

Mimics and masquerade: hidden creatures on parade

The art and magic of misdirection

Death by deception

Deception as the key to a successful relationship

Deception: a life-long calling

Can animals tell lies?

Finding inspiration in illusion and deception.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN:

9781761170171

1761170171

OCLC:

1550211637

Publisher Number:

90104363442