Liars, cheats and copycats

Trickery and deception in nature

By: James O'Hanlon

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Paperback | 1 November 2025

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21.0 x 13.5

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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.

About the Author

James O’Hanlon has travelled around Australia and the globe uncovering the secret lives of insects and spiders. He has published more than 30 academic papers, and his popular science writing has appeared in ABC News, Australian Geographic, The Guardian and Sydney Morning Herald. He is the author of Silk & Venom: The incredible lives of spiders.

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