In that post, I wrote about two forms of mimicry known as Batesian mimicry and Mullerian mimicry. Batesian mimicry is a form of mimicry in which a harmless species copies the warning signs of a harmful species to scare away predators. Mullerian mimicry is a type of mimicry in which two distasteful, poisonous, or otherwise harmful species have evolved to resemble each other - sharing the warning signs that keep predators away.
Recently, while searching through old photos I found an example of a third type of mimicry.
Bee Hunter - a type of robber fly |
This is not a bee. It's a type of fly known as a robber fly. At first glance, this seems to be a clear cut case of Batesian mimicry. By evolving with the colors of a bee, this fly is afforded protection from any potential predators without needing to have a stinger of its own. This is a very common (and sensible) survival strategy
Bee Hunters exhibit aggressive mimicry - they look like their prey to fool them |
However, this species in not exhibiting pure Batesian mimicry. It does get some protection benefits from its yellow-and-black coloring, but in this species those colors serve a more sinister purpose. This is one of several species of robber flies known as a Bee Hunter. The Bee Hunter uses a form of mimicry known as aggressive mimicry.
Bee Hunter (closeup) - note the spines on the legs used for grasping prey and the proboscis used to such fluids from prey |
Aggressive mimicry is a type of mimicry used by predators to appear harmless to their prey. In this case, the Bee Hunter is a predator that preys on pollinators such as bees and wasps. By resembling a bumblebee, the Bee Hunter appears to these insects as another harmless pollinator and is able to ambush them with less effort. It grasps them with its long front legs - spine on the legs help immobilize their prey. The Bee Hunter is covered with long stiff hairs that further help protect it from struggling prey. One a prey is captured, the Bee Hunter uses is stiff proboscis to impale the unfortunate victim and suck out its insides.
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