Which traits do observers use to distinguish Batesian mimics from their models?

On encountering a yellow and black striped insect, a predator must use various features of the animal to decide whether it is a wasp, which is best avoided, or a mimic, such as a hoverfly, and good to eat. We have found that the shape of the insect is a useful feature that is easy to recognize. Patt...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inBehavioral ecology Vol. 28; no. 2 p.460-470; pp. arw166 - 470
Main Authors Taylor, Christopher H., Warrin, Jonathan, Gilbert, Francis, Reader, Tom
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published 01.04.2017
Subjects
animals
Syrphidae
wasps
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ISSN1045-2249
1465-7279
1465-7279
DOI10.1093/beheco/arw166

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Summary:On encountering a yellow and black striped insect, a predator must use various features of the animal to decide whether it is a wasp, which is best avoided, or a mimic, such as a hoverfly, and good to eat. We have found that the shape of the insect is a useful feature that is easy to recognize. Pattern, which is also potentially useful, tends to get overlooked.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-1
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
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ISSN:1045-2249
1465-7279
1465-7279
DOI:10.1093/beheco/arw166