All wildlife seeks to survive. But rather than hiding from predators, some harmless animals flaunt their presence. They can be so bold because they resemble other animals that taste bad or cause them harm. These harmless impostors benefit from the reputations of the animals they mimic. This survival technique is called mimicry.
We swat at flies, but avoid swinging at bumblebees and yellow jackets because we know they can sting us. Certain flies sport the black and yellow markings of stinging insects and escape the blows of large animals–and humans–who are wary of them. Although harmless, their appearance wards off predators. The impostors don’t hide or flee, but are saved through mistaken identity.
Milkweed bugs feed on milkweed and take up foul-tasting substances from these plants. The bugs are large and lavishly splashed with orange. Predators who sample these bugs become sick and learn to avoid them. But their aversion to this bold-colored bug is carried over to similarly colored prey. A different insect, the milkweed beetle, does not taste bad. But its resemblance to milkweed bugs deter predators.
Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but for wildlife it can also increase an animal’s chances for survival.
Types of Mimicry
Batesian mimicry only takes place when the harmful species outnumbers the harmless copycats. If too many copycats are around, predators quickly learn of the trick, and begin eating both mimics and models.
Example: Although harmless, the hummingbird moth’s black and yellow colors mimic the appearance of a beeor wasp.
Müllerian mimicry occurs when dangerous or distasteful species resemble each other.
Example: A viceroy butterfly looks nearly identical to a monarch butterfly. Both taste bad, and predators that eat one likely will not try to eat the other.
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