Liars, cheats and copycats

 Liars, cheats and copycats

Reviewed By  Grasshopper2       November 1, 2025

 

Author  James O'Hanlon

Distributor:      New South Books
ISBN:                 978-1761170171
Publisher:         NewSouth
Release Date:   1 November 2025  

Website:    https://unsw.press/books/liars-cheats-and-copycats/ 

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Trickery and deception in nature 

Not only the title of this book, ‘Liars, Cheats and Copycats’ surprising, but the illustrations on the front cover also make it a must read. James O’Hanlon is well known for his science writing and his previous novel, “Silk and Venom.” When the author completed his studies, he was inspired to travel to Malaysia to search for a rare mantis.

He was full of excitement and enthusiasm, not worried about stories of the tigers who roamed the jungle, after all, surely a bright orange striped, large animal would be easy to spot. However, in a rainforest the complexity of tree trunks, shrubs and shadows in the dense undergrowth make the perfect camouflage for this animal. This may have been the catalyst which helped James to explore the many ways that plants and animals deceive.

Animals find many places to hide, and the author describes some, like the small crab who hides inside the anus of the sea cucumber. However, hiding is not the best solution for staying safe. Birds and animals use camouflage, and scientists are just discovering how this mode can “Hack the circuits of other animals’ eyes and minds.” There is also the adaptation that animals use when they change colour. They can do this in a few seconds.

Plants have ways of deterring unwanted guests. One plant has small paddle shaped leaves which slowly rotate. It may be that this gives the image of a butterfly settling and may deter other butterflies from stopping and laying eggs on that leaf. Orchids also can pose a threat to insects by mimicking plants who have abundant pollens. There are stories told about bugs who attract ants, allow them to bite, then jump on the ant’s head and kill it.

James’ light, style, simple descriptions, fun stories and facts make this an entertaining book to read and an amazing introduction to the world of nature.

Nature, Non Fiction