Buzz
Biological mimicry refers to a phenomenon where one species evolves to resemble another. In some cases, these organisms not only appear similar but also adopt the behaviors and traits of the species they imitate, becoming so alike that distinguishing them becomes nearly impossible, despite their unrelatedness.
The reasons behind such mimicry are varied. Often, it's connected to survival strategies, especially in the context of predation. Some prey species imitate more dangerous animals to avoid predators, while certain predators mimic species that their prey does not fear.
10. Hornets and Hornet Moths
Everyone knows that hornets can deliver a highly painful sting. Several species from the Sesia genus, including Sesia apiformis, have evolved to resemble hornets both in appearance and behavior. These mimic moths are known as hornet moths for obvious reasons.
S. apiformis exhibits the characteristic yellow and black stripes of a hornet. It is also about the same size as a typical hornet and has a similar wingspan. Furthermore, the moth has learned to take off in a chaotic manner, just like a hornet, whenever it perceives a threat.
However, there are some noticeable differences between hornets and hornet moths. The moth is more yellow in hue and lacks the waist that is found between the thorax and abdomen of hornets. Additionally, the moth's wings are transparent, a detail only visible during flight, and most people or animals don't stay around long enough to notice.
9. Ladybirds and Ladybird Spiders
Spiders are so fascinating that one has even been turned into a popular fictional superhero. The ladybird (or ladybug) is remarkable too. While it doesn't have its own superhero, it does have real spiders named after it. These spiders belong to the genus Paraplectana and have evolved to resemble ladybirds.
This mimicry is essential, as many predatory birds avoid ladybirds due to the toxic chemicals they contain, which produce a foul odor when crushed and leave a bad taste in the bird's mouth. As a result, many birds have developed a strong aversion to ladybirds. In addition to spiders, other insects, like the ladybird-mimic fungus beetle, have also evolved to look like ladybirds.
8. Jumping Spiders and Metalmark Moths
The metalmark moth (Brenthia coronigera) doesn't mimic just any insect or spider, but its predator, the jumping spider. These moths are so effective at mimicry that jumping spiders mistake them for other jumping spiders. In fact, smaller jumping spiders even run away from the moths, fearing they might be preyed upon.
The metalmark moth doesn't merely resemble a jumping spider in appearance; it also mimics the spider's movements, which is unusual for moths that typically just flutter around. Male jumping spiders are so deceived that they become attracted to the moth and perform courtship behaviors, such as raising their two front legs toward it.
Studies on this mimicry have shown that the moth must position its wings correctly for the deception to be effective. The black dots on its wings mimic the eyes of a jumping spider, while the rest of its body resembles the spider's form. Several experiments have indicated that a spider will recognize the moth as prey if it fails to display its wings or if any part of its body is hidden.
7. Ants and Spider Ants
Ant mimicry, also known as myrmecomorphy, is present in many species of spiders. Approximately 300 species of spiders mimic ants in appearance. This mimicry serves two main purposes: one is to deceive ants, and the other is to avoid being preyed upon by predators that tend to steer clear of ants.
These mimic spiders feature spots that resemble the compound eyes of ants. They also have reflective hairs on their thorax and abdomen, making them appear even more like ants. Many of these spiders walk in a zigzag pattern, mimicking an ant’s movement. To enhance the illusion, they periodically stop and bring their two front legs close to their heads, imitating the antennae of an ant.
Spiders such as the ground spider mimic ants to trick other ants. They hunt and kill lone ants, then drag the body while pretending to be just another ant helping out. The crab spider does something similar, using a web to drag the ant, which allows an easy escape if its deception is uncovered.
Some spiders imitate ants to avoid being eaten by ants, other spiders, or birds that see them as prey. These spiders also act like ants to confuse predators and even build their nests near the ants they resemble. This tactic works because ants often fend off larger predators despite their size, and predators have learned to avoid both ants and spiders disguised as ants.
6. Rove Beetles and Army Ants
Approximately 12 species of parasitic rove beetles now mimic various species of army ants. Typically, there is one rove beetle for every 5,000 army ants in a colony. These beetles mimic the ants to infiltrate the colony and feed on the larvae.
Their bodies have evolved so precisely that they are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing, even to humans at first glance. Army ants also fail to differentiate them, even when they touch the beetles, which happens frequently.
It's important to note that most army ants are blind and recognize their colony mates primarily through chemical and tactile signals. The beetles have adapted to this by grooming the ants to obtain the chemical markers the ants use for identification, allowing the beetles to remain undetected, even by scent. Additionally, the rove beetle integrates into ant activities and even follows them during raids to appear more convincing.
Researchers find the similarity between these two creatures remarkable, especially considering their last common ancestor existed 105 million years ago, a considerable span even in terms of evolutionary time. Most species with similar traits diverged much more recently. In fact, 105 million years ago marked the split between our distant ancestors and mice.
5. Blue Streak Cleaner Wrasses and False Cleanerfish
As suggested by their name, cleaner fish remove harmful and parasitic organisms from the bodies of other fish. This mutualistic relationship benefits both parties: the cleaner fish get a meal, while the fish being cleaned are relieved of dangerous parasites.
The blue streak cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus, shown on the left above) is one of many cleaner fish species. However, the false cleanerfish (Aspidontus tractus, shown on the right) has evolved to mimic the blue streak cleaner wrasse. Both species are so similar in appearance and behavior that distinguishing them is quite difficult.
The false cleanerfish operates fake cleaning stations about a meter away from the genuine blue streak cleaner wrasse's stations. To appear more authentic, it may even linger near a few real cleaner wrasses. When an unsuspecting fish approaches, the false cleanerfish pretends to clean, only to bite off a piece of the fish and dart away.
4. Pit Vipers and Hawk Moth Caterpillars
Hemeroplanes triptolemus, a hawk moth native to Central American forests, has a remarkable caterpillar that mimics the behavior of pit vipers to scare off potential predators. When threatened, the caterpillar faces its aggressor, withdraws its legs, and extends the front of its body to create a puffed-up appearance resembling the head of a pit viper.
To complete the illusion, the caterpillar adopts viper-like curves, scales, and even simulates the appearance of eyes. It also mimics the striking movements of a real pit viper. The disguise is so convincing that it tricks both birds and humans, with predators fleeing before they can determine where the rest of the 'viper’s' body is.
3. Nymphister Kronaueri Masquerades as Part of an Army Ant
There are always new creatures emerging that challenge our understanding. Take the so-called 'ant lovers' (myrmecophiles), organisms that are drawn to ants. While the exact reason remains uncertain, scientists believe it is likely related to the fact that ants are excellent at finding food.
Nymphister kronaueri is one of the many so-called 'ant lovers'. This beetle sneaks its way between the thorax and abdomen of army ants without being detected. By hitching a ride, the beetle not only gets transport but also benefits from the food provided by the ants. Researchers have found that the beetle favors attaching itself to medium-sized ants, though the exact reason remains unclear. It’s believed that N. kronaueri may want to deceive the ant into thinking it is simply part of the ant’s abdomen.
2. Flesh Flies and Fly-Mimicking Weevils
The aptly named fly-mimicking weevil (Timorus sarcophagoides) is a weevil that closely resembles flesh flies, specifically those from the Sarcophagidae family. Its body coloration and markings are remarkably similar to that of the flesh flies, and it sports two prominent reddish dots on its thorax that resemble the eyes of a fly.
The fly-mimicking weevil mimics the movements of flesh flies so effectively that it even rubs its legs together, just like the real flies do. The goal of this mimicry is to deceive potential predators into thinking it is a flesh fly, thereby avoiding being eaten.
Flesh flies are known for their speed, and birds usually avoid pursuing them because they are challenging to catch. The fly-mimicking weevil, on the other hand, is much slower, making the mimicry essential. By resembling the fly, it convinces predators that it is not an easy target. As a result, these predators typically move on and focus on other insects they perceive as slower and easier to capture.
However, entomologists are not easily fooled. When they examine the weevil, it quickly realizes it's been discovered. To avoid further attention, the weevil retracts its legs and falls to the ground, pretending to be dead. Quite a clever tactic from this insect.
1. Common Wasps and Marmalade Hoverflies
The marmalade hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus) is often mistaken for the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris), also known as the yellow-jacket, due to their strikingly similar body coloration. Both species share black and yellow markings that make them nearly indistinguishable from each other to both predators and humans. Their resemblance is so close that in 2004, when marmalade hoverflies swarmed British beaches, many people were frightened and fled, thinking they were wasps.
While the wasp originated the color pattern, it is the marmalade hoverfly that plays the role of the mimic. Wasps are notorious for their painful stings, which can trigger severe reactions such as anaphylactic shock in humans. The marmalade hoverfly, though harmless, mimics the wasp's appearance to protect itself from predators, especially birds.
Despite the striking similarities between the common wasp and the marmalade hoverfly, there are notable differences. Wasps possess four wings, while hoverflies only have two. Wasps also have distinct waists between their thoraxes and abdomens, whereas marmalade hoverflies lack this feature. Additionally, hoverflies often fly sideways, a behavior seldom seen in wasps.
