Liars Cheats and Copycats

This is a new book. Condition: Brand New.

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.

'O'Hanlon is a gifted science communicator, able to explain complex scientific ideas without confusing the non-specialist reader; he writes in a conversational, engaging manner. The pages turn easily, and the reader feels smarter.' Simon Caterson, The Sydney Morning Herald/The Age

'A well-written, enormously interesting and engaging book.' Heidi Maier, The Saturday Paper

'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.' Blue Wolf Reviews

'The author's voice is delightfully strong and engaging. The regular and humorous asides, anecdotes, and notes help to reframe the sensible, scientific information with a light, irreverent and entertaining tone.' Mark Parry, Good Reading Magazine

'The best popular science books not only reveal marvellous things about our world, and surprise us with the latest findings, but also ask questions we can't answer yet. James O'Hanlon's Liars, Cheats and Copycats manages all three in a relaxed, good-humoured and unpretentious style that makes the book an engaging and thoroughly entertaining read.' B.P Marshall, The Tasmanian Times

Book details and technical specifications

Format: Paperback / softback
ISBN13: 9781761170171
Published: November 2025

Number of pages: 240
Width: 135 mm
Height: 210 mm
Depth: not specified

Publisher: NewSouth Publishing