Vanishing Act

Synopsis

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.