In this new book he turns to one of nature's most fundamental survival techniques: the vanishing act. He shows animals and insects relying on deception, disguises, lures and decoys to disappear into their surroundings, confusing the eye of the predator. Nothing is as it appears to be, a lion blends into the tall grass; a harp seal disappears against his snowy backdrop. Pastel orchids suddenly morph into praying mantises; lizard heads become tails. What at first looks to be a torn and rotting leaf in a Peruvian forest floor suddenly sprouts legs and starts walking: it is a leaf-mimic katydid. Spotting each cryptic animal amid Wolfe's clever compositions is both a fun and informative challenge. As many species are performing permanent vanishing acts due to habitat loss and human encroachment, this book showcases the beauty and evolutionary brilliance of animal behavior and artfully illustrates the tenacious will to stay alive in an eat-or-be-eaten world.
- ISBN10 0821257501
- ISBN13 9780821257500
- Publish Date 1 November 2005
- Publish Status Out of Stock
- Out of Print 10 October 2013
- Publish Country US
- Publisher Little, Brown & Company
- Imprint Little, Brown and Company
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 144
- Language English