A selection of nature's greatest imposters, tricksters and magicians. Whether to escape predators or to surprise their prey, the talented strategists of nature in The Champions of Camouflage survive using visual trickery and fascinating biology. Some simply change their clothing to suit the seasons, such as the willow ptarmigan who appears pure white in winter snow and golden-brown-red in the summer. Others, like the satanic leaf-tailed gecko (on the jacket), who disguises itself amidst leaves to blend into its surroundings, are the same year-round but their appearance seamlessly blends them into the environment. Grasshoppers of the genus Paraphidnia and the African mantis Popa spurca perfectly imitate the small branches of trees, becoming virtually invisible to predators and prey. Some species use incredible stratagems to get rid of their enemies, the frog Physalaemus, for example. When this amphibian is threatened, he turns his back to his opponent and shows his hindquarters on which is "painted" a pair of large black eyes. If the mask is not enough to intimidate the opponent, the fake eyes will emit an impressive "white secretion." That usually does the trick. The book is organized by the manner of camouflage: The Art of Camouflage: Invisibility cloak; Seasonal clothes; Quick colours. Changing Shapes: Leaf imposters; Moving twigs; The watery art of disappearing; Deception. Game of Illusion: At the masquerade ball: In the eye of the beholder: Trojan Horse; Identity theft; Bait and switch.

About the Author
Jean-Philippe Noel is a journalist specializing in nature, travel and history. He regularly collaborates with various magazines, such as Sciences & Vie and Thirty Million Friends, and has written about 20 books, including books on animals for young audiences. He is also the author of historical drama. He lives in Sarthe, France.


Book Information
ISBN 9780228102038
Author Jean-Philippe Noel
Format Hardback
Page Count 160
Imprint Firefly Books Ltd
Publisher Firefly Books Ltd