Animal camouflage - Otto von Fritsch

Otto von Frisch is a noted German authority on natural history. A childhood interest in animal behaviour led to the study of zoology at Graz and Munich Universities and at the University of Wisconsin. He gained his doctorate in 1956 and in 1958 joined the National Natural History Museum in Brunswick as a Technical Adviser. He later became Keeper of the Vertebrate Department and in 1977 was appointed Director of the Museum. In addition, Dr von Frisch has taught at the Brunswick Technical University, where he gained a professorship in 1970, and is the author of many scientific works, reference books and books for children. Among the latter is Animal Migration, also published by Collins.

Nature’s greatest secrets are there to be seen – if only we know where and when to look for them. Camouflage techniques employed by insects, fish, birds, reptiles and mammals rival anything devised by man. Defensive or offensive, they are vital to the survival of all species, and their effectiveness ensures that the balance of nature is undisturbed. Insects can look like twigs or grass, or seem to have heads where their tails should be. Fish can resemble stones on the sea bed. Species change colour to merge with their surroundings – how all this is done is clearly explained. Otto von Frisch gives us the chance to do the easy way what usually requires close observation – that is, to discover and understand these secrets of camouflage. He uses his wide knowledge and experience to reveal, with fascinating clarity, what must rank as some of the wonders of the animal world.