Biological mimicry happens when one species evolves so that it physically resembles another. However, certain organisms may also assume the behavior and mannerisms of others. In this way, he ends up creating an illusion, often serving as a strategy for getting food or not becoming a meal .
The similarities are so great that differentiating them becomes an arduous task, even for the mimicked species itself. In some cases, animals assume the appearance of another more dangerous animal for their predators to avoid. With that in mind, today we list for you some cases where animals have “turned” into others. Check out!
1 – Wasps and Moths
Some species belonging to the genus Sesia , such as Sesia apiformi s, have evolved to mimic wasps in both appearance and behavior. The S. apiformis has very similar appearance to a wasp with its black and brands yellow . They also look much in size.
However, there are, of course, some differences between wasp and moth. They are usually more yellow than wasps and do not have a “waist”. Its wings are transparent. But in general, differentiating them quickly is not an easy task.
2 – Ladybug and Ladybug Spider
In some parts of the world you can find ladybug spiders. This species belongs to the genus Paraplectana. They have evolved to look like ladybugs. That’s because many predatory birds avoid feeding on ladybugs, as they contain toxic substances that give off a terrible odor when crushed. Besides a bad and persistent taste in the bird’s mouth.
3 – Jumping Spider and Moth
A species of moth known as Brenthia coronigera often mimics a species of spider known as the jumping spider. And they are so good at it that the jumping spiders themselves get confused. Smaller spiders even flee for fear of being eaten.
The moth resembles the spider not only in its appearance but also in its movement. Some spiders are so attracted to moths that they exhibit courting behavior.
4 – Ants and Spiders
Some spider species often appeal to mimicry for strategic reasons. About 300 species of spiders assume the appearance of an ant. This serves a great purpose: to deceive ants and their predators. These spiders often have spots on their bodies that resemble ants’ eyes. Most of them still mimic the way ants move around, creating an illusion, including periodic stops. In addition to raising their front paws close to their heads to mimic the ant antennae.
5 – Beetles and ants
About 12 species of parasitic beetles eventually mimic the ants. They do so to gain access to the ant colony, where they can feed on ant larvae. They have evolved to the point that we often cannot distinguish them immediately. As well as the ants. To deceive ants, beetles often touch other ants to absorb chemicals that ants use for identification. Thus becoming undetectable.
6 – Dimple snakes and snake caterpillar
The snake caterpillar are easily found in the forests of Central America. They are able to mimic vipers to avoid their predators. When threatened, they face their tormentors like a snake would. She shrinks her legs and extends the front of her body so that her face resembles a snake.
7 – Common flower fly and common wasps
Common flower flies are often confused with the common wasp. Much because of its similar body color. Both species have black and yellow markings, which makes them indistinguishable from their predators and to us humans. But it is important to note that the common wasps use the coloring longer and the common flower flies imitated them.
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