Batesian mimicry

Pronunciation: /BAY-tee-zhuhn MIM-ik-ree/

Category: Behavior

Singular: Batesian mimicry

Plural: Batesian mimicries

Definition

A form of mimicry where a harmless species evolves to imitate the warning signals of a harmful species to deter predators.

Etymology

Named after the English naturalist Henry Walter Bates, who first described the phenomenon in 1861.

Example

The viceroy butterfly exhibits Batesian mimicry by resembling the toxic monarch butterfly, thereby reducing its risk of predation.

Synonyms

Protective mimicry

Related Terms

Müllerian mimicry
Mimicry
Predation

Usage Notes

While Batesian mimicry provides protection for the mimic, it relies on the abundance of the model species. If the harmful species becomes too rare, the mimicry might lose its effectiveness.