Figure 14.19 Batesian mimicry. (a) The common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) possesses aposematic coloration as a warning to predators that an attack could result in being stung and injected with painful chemicals. Other harmless species that do not possess any stinging ability have evolved to resemble the color patterns of the wasp. These include (b) a species of hover fly (Helophilus pendulus) and (c) the hornet clearwing (Sesia apiformis). Their resemblance to the wasp reduces their risk of predation.

Photos by (a) Nick Upton/naturepl.com; (b) Geoff Dore/naturepl.com; and (c) FLPA/Gianpiero Ferrar/age fotostock.