Author(s): Jean-Philippe Noël (Contribution by); Biosphoto Noël (Contribution by)

Science

This beautiful book, featuring spectacular images from Biosphoto, addresses the different aspects of camouflage and, more broadly, mimicry in the animal world. From a "simple" imitation of the dominant color of an environment (such as the green color of foliage, adopted in particular by many insects) to the most sophisticated mechanisms (such as that of the alligator snapping turtle, the tip of whose tongue resembles a worm to lure its prey), nature knows no limits when it comes to deception. Most often, these adaptations are aimed at eating or avoiding being eaten, but sometimes they are intended to improve the chances of reproducing. There are also cases that can only leave us thoughtful, or even wishing to immerse ourselves in almost metaphysical questioning, like the details on the wings of the moth Macrocilix maia, which clearly resemble flies feeding on bird droppings. A multiplicity of strategies, shapes and colors… All these tricks that evolution has patiently put in place, and which are unveiled here by the journalist Jean-Philippe Noël, give us an opportunity to marvel at the powerful and creative strategies of the animal kingdom.