May 2025 • Nebraskaland 49
Batesian Mimicry — The Deceptive
Imitator
Coined after the naturalist Henry Walter Bates, Batesian
mimicry involves a harmless insect evolving to resemble
a harmful or unpalatable species. In Batesian mimicry, the
success of the mimicry relies on the abundance of the model
species (the harmful or unpalatable one). If the model is
rare, the predator might not learn the association between
appearance and unpleasant experience, making the mimicry
less eff ective.
The monarch and viceroy butterfl y species are the perfect
example of how both mimicry methods can be utilized.
Monarch butterfl y larvae feed on milkweed species that
contain a toxic white sap. This makes both the larva and
adult stages poisonous for predators to consume. As adults,
monarchs use their bright orange coloration to warn
predators of their toxicity.
The viceroy butterfl y, which is usually non-toxic, has
developed almost identical coloration and markings to
the monarch in the hopes of tricking predators. However,
scientists recently discovered that in areas where monarchs
and viceroys do not co-exist, viceroys can store toxins from the
willow leaves they fed on as caterpillars to equip themselves
with their own dose of poison. This adaptation allows them
to ward off predators without relying on mimicry, revealing
one more tool to help these insects survive their dangerous
habitats.
N
Brown-belted bumble bee.
Monarch butterflies (above) use their bright orange
coloration to warn predators of their toxicity. The
viceroy (below), usually non-toxic, has developed
similar markings in hopes of tricking predators.
Viceroys have a thick black band across their
hindwings (circled in red), whereas monarchs do not.
VICEROY PHOTO BY CHRIS MASADA
