Batesian mimicry

There are many different strategies used by species to protect themselves from predators. Mimicry is one of these techniques used by species to protect themselves. One such form of mimicry in species is called the Batesian mimicry.   There are other types of mimicry as well that we will get into in later posts. 

Batesian mimicry is the process using which a harmless species looks or behaves like a species that is harmful.  For example in the picture below, the two snakes look alike however one of them is poisonous and other one is not. The Scarlet king snake has evolved to look like the venomous snake as it would help confuse potential predators and offer it some protection.

This form of mimicry is also seen in other species including butterflies and other amphibians. One such mimicry in butterflies is seen in the picture below.  Monarch butterflies(bottom one in the picture) have a nasty taste to protect themselves from predators like birds.  Viceroy butterflies(top one in the picture) have evolved to look like monarch butterflies as that offers them protection against predators.