Diversity in mimicry: paradox or paradigm?
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Probing the Limits of Egg Recognition Using Egg Rejection Experiments Along Phenotypic Gradients
Published on: August 22, 2018
1Génétique et Environnement, CC065 ISEM, Université de Montpellier 2, Place Bataillon, F-34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France.
Abstract:
Visual mimicry is a textbook case of natural selection because it is both intuitively understandable and has repeatedly evolved in a range of organisms: it is the ultimate example of parallel evolution. In many mimetic groups, particularly butterflies, a huge variety of colour patterns has arisen, even in closely related species. There has been much recent controversy over explanations of this variety. Mimicry is today a broad field of evolutionary study; here we discuss the evolution of its diversity in predator-prey systems.
Related Concept Videos
Nonconscious Mimicry
Predator-Prey Interactions
Mate Choice
Frequency-dependent Selection
Convergent Evolution
Limits to Natural Selection

