batesian mimicry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/TechnicalFormal / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “batesian mimicry” mean?
A form of mimicry where a harmless species (the mimic) evolves to imitate the warning signals of a harmful or unpalatable species (the model) to avoid predation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A form of mimicry where a harmless species (the mimic) evolves to imitate the warning signals of a harmful or unpalatable species (the model) to avoid predation.
The phenomenon extends beyond biology as a metaphor for situations where a weak or harmless entity imitates the characteristics of a stronger or dangerous one to gain protection or advantage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical or orthographic differences. Both use the capitalised 'Batesian'. Pronunciation of the '-si-' syllable may vary slightly.
Connotations
Identical scientific connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Exclusively used in academic, biological, and ecological contexts with equal rarity in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “batesian mimicry” in a Sentence
[Species/Organism] + exhibits/employs/displays + Batesian mimicryBatesian mimicry + occurs in + [species/habitat]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “batesian mimicry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The hoverfly does not truly 'mimic'; it has evolved to Batesian-mimic the wasp.
- Several species in the genus are known to Batesian-mimic toxic butterflies.
American English
- This harmless snake Batesian-mimics the venomous coral snake.
- Researchers observed the beetle Batesian-mimicking its model.
adjective
British English
- The relationship is a classic Batesian-mimicry system.
- They studied the butterfly's Batesian-mimicry adaptations.
American English
- The spider displays a Batesian-mimicry pattern.
- A Batesian-mimicry complex was identified in the rainforest.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Could metaphorically describe a small company copying the branding or behaviour of a dominant market leader to appear more formidable.
Academic
Primary usage. Core concept in evolutionary biology, ecology, and zoology.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in entomology, herpetology, and related biological sciences.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “batesian mimicry”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “batesian mimicry”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “batesian mimicry”
- Misspelling as 'Batesean', 'Bathesian', or 'Baitesian'.
- Using lowercase ('batesian mimicry').
- Confusing it with Müllerian mimicry (where two harmful species mimic each other).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The fly batesians the wasp').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is named after the English naturalist Henry Walter Bates, who described the phenomenon in Amazonian butterflies in 1862.
In Batesian mimicry, a harmless mimic imitates a harmful model. In Müllerian mimicry, two or more harmful species evolve to resemble each other, sharing the cost of predator education.
Yes, though less common. Examples include non-thorny plants mimicking the appearance of thorny ones, or non-toxic plants mimicking the leaf shapes of toxic neighbours to deter herbivores.
Yes, because it is an eponym derived from a proper name (Bates). The standard form is 'Batesian mimicry'.
A form of mimicry where a harmless species (the mimic) evolves to imitate the warning signals of a harmful or unpalatable species (the model) to avoid predation.
Batesian mimicry is usually formal / scientific in register.
Batesian mimicry: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbeɪtsiən ˈmɪmɪkri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbeɪtsiən ˈmɪmɪkri/ or /ˈbeɪtʃən ˈmɪmɪkri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[to be] a Batesian mimic (metaphorical use)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BATESian' – 'BAIT and switch'. A harmless creature 'BAITs' a predator by looking like a dangerous one, then 'switches' the outcome by being safe, tricking the predator to avoid it.
Conceptual Metaphor
DECEPTION IS A SURVIVAL TOOL. WEAKNESS DISGUISED AS STRENGTH PROVIDES SAFETY.
Practice
Quiz
What is the key prerequisite for Batesian mimicry to be evolutionarily successful?