Mimicry

Mimicry (from mimesis = imitation) is a very important phenomenon in the animal world, and is decisive for the survival of a great many species. Thanks to this phenomenon some organisms can take on the appearance of well-defined objects or of other organisms, so as to gain an advantage in the economy of their daily existence. Mimicry always implies the presence of a mimetic system, that is, one in which there are “models” and “imitators”. In the world of Insects we know of two basic types: cryptic mimicry and Batesian mimicry.

CRYPTIC MIMICRY. It is the prerogative of some species of Insects, to resemble something in the environment in which they live, so as not to be recognised by possible predators or potential prey (some examples of cryptic mimicry).

BATESIAN MIMICRY. Edible insects (mimics) imitate, through their shapes and colours, other insects (models) that are toxic or dangerous to predators: this is the case of Paranthrene tabaniformis (mimic), which imitates the appearance of a wasp (model).