Australian environment full of tricksters

Biological deception, which involves organisms manipulating the behaviour of other animals through the presentation of “false cues”, has been found to be rampant in Australia.

Researchers from Macquarie University and Auckland University found Australia is home to many deceptive animals and plants - including the bolas spiders, whose females mimic the pheromones of female moths, luring male moths into certain death.

Australia’s dry climate and highly fragmented habitat has likely contributed to the evolution of many different deceptive strategies.

Read more at Macquarie University