Many insects have evolved the survival strategy of mimicry. The hornet's vivid, alternating yellow and black rings, so-called aposematic, or warning colors, co-evolved among many kinds of stinging insects, thus sharing the burden of teaching predators to heed the warning. This is known as Müllerian mimicry. Although it is harmless, the Hornet moth, which has a striking likeness with the giant wasp, is also shunned by predators. This related form of mimicry is called Batesian mimicry.
keywords: mimicry, Batesian mimicry, Müllerian mimicry, insects, Lepidoptera, moths
Original Caption: Insects have evolved the survival strategy mimicry: a species resembles a dangerous unrelated species and thereby gains protection. a good example is the Hornet moth, which has a striking likeness with the giant wasp, the Hornet. The latter is a dangerous insect showing vivid colors, so-called warning colors, like alternating yellow and black rings. Predators are warned not to eat these wasps, which is favorable for both parties. The hornet moth has evolved vivid colors that give this harmless species the same sort of protection.
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