Mimic

A mimic is any species that has evolved to appear similar to another successful species in order to dupe predators into avoiding the mimic, or dupe prey into approaching the mimic.

There are three types of mimics:

1. Batesian mimics, where the mimic resembles the successful species but does not share the attribute that discourages predation.
2. Mullerian mimics, where the mimic resembles the successful species and shares the anti-predation attribute.
3. Aggressive mimics, where the mimic resembles a harmless species in order to lure prey.

For example, the Aegeria moth is a Batesian mimic of the yellow jacket wasp, because it resembles the wasp, but is not capable of stinging. A predator who would thus avoid the wasp would similarly avoid the Aegeria.

On the other hand, a honeybee is a Mullerian mimic of the wasp (and vice-versa), since both share similar appearance and coloring, and both are capable of stinging.

Female fireflies of the genus Photus are an example of aggressive mimics. By copying the light signals of fireflies of other species, they lure male fireflies which are then captured and eaten.

See also: predator

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The science fiction/horror film Mimic features a species of cockroach that has evolved to resemble humans.

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In many works of fiction in the science fiction and fantasy genres, a mimic is a type of shapeshifter similar to a doppelganger. For example, in the Dungeons & Dragons; role-playing game and in the Nethack computer game, a mimic is a creature that typically takes the form of a treasure chest or a seemingly valuable object to lure unsuspecting adventurers.