Champions of Camouflage

Nature's greatest imposters, tricksters, and magicians are showcased in The Champions of Camouflage, surviving by visual trickery and fascinating biology. Some species change their clothing to suit the seasons, while others disguise themselves amidst leaves to blend into their surroundings. Some use incredible stratagems to get rid of their enemies, such as the frog Physalaemus, which turns its back to its opponent and shows its hindquarters with "painted" black eyes. The book is organized by the manner of camouflage: invisibility cloak, seasonal clothes, quick colors, changing shapes, leaf imposters, moving twigs, the watery art of disappearing, deception, game of illusion, and Trojan Horse.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd

Nature's greatest imposters, tricksters, and magicians are showcased in The Champions of Camouflage. These talented strategists of nature have evolved a range of visual tricks and fascinating biological adaptations to survive in their environments. From changing their clothing to suit the seasons to disguising themselves amidst leaves, these creatures have mastered the art of camouflage.

One of the most impressive examples is the willow ptarmigan, which appears pure white in winter snow and golden-brown-red in the summer. This change in coloration helps it blend seamlessly with its surroundings, making it difficult for predators to spot. Another example is the satanic leaf-tailed gecko, which disguises itself amidst leaves to blend into its surroundings. While its appearance remains the same year-round, it seamlessly blends into the environment, making it a master of disguise.

Grasshoppers of the genus Paraphidnia and the African mantis Popa spurca also exhibit incredible camouflage skills. They 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. For instance, the frog Physalaemus turns its back to its opponent and shows its hindquarters, which are "painted" with a pair of large black eyes. If the mask is not enough to intimidate the opponent, the fake eyes emit an impressive "white secretion." This usually does the trick and scares away the predator.

The book is organized into different sections, each showcasing a different type of camouflage. The "Invisibility cloak" section explores the use of coloration and patterns to make creatures invisible to their surroundings. The "Seasonal clothes" section showcases animals that change their coloration to match the seasons, such as the snowshoe hare and the Arctic fox. The "Quick colors" section explores animals that can change their color quickly to adapt to changing environments, such as the chameleon and the coral reef fish.

Changing Shapes is another fascinating section of the book. It showcases animals that use their bodies to mimic other objects in their environment, such as leaf imposters, moving twigs, and the watery art of disappearing. These animals are masters of deception, using their shape-shifting abilities to avoid predators and catch prey.

The "Game of Illusion" section explores the use of camouflage in social interactions. It showcases animals that use camouflage to deceive their prey, such as the masquerade ball spider and the mimic octopus. It also explores the use of camouflage in identity theft, bait and switch, and other forms of deception.

Overall, The Champions of Camouflage is a captivating book that showcases the incredible abilities of nature's greatest imposters, tricksters, and magicians. It provides a fascinating insight into the world of camouflage and the strategies used by these creatures to survive in their environments. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or simply curious about the wonders of the natural world, this book is a must-read.

Weight: 726g
Dimension: 216 x 279 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228104346