What Is Batesian Mimicry? | Example of the Scarlet Kingsnake
Discover how the scarlet kingsnake mimics the coral snake for survival through Batesian mimicry.
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The scarlet kingsnake is an example of Batesian mimicry. It mimics the venomous coral snake, deterring predators even though it is non-venomous itself. Remember the rhyme: 'Red touches black, safe for Jack; red touches yellow, kills a fellow.'
FAQs & Answers
- What is Batesian mimicry? Batesian mimicry is a form of mimicry where a harmless species evolves to imitate the warning signals of a harmful species to avoid predation.
- How does the scarlet kingsnake mimic the coral snake? The scarlet kingsnake mimics the color pattern of the venomous coral snake, particularly the arrangement of red, black, and yellow bands, to deter potential predators.
- What are some other examples of Batesian mimicry? Other examples of Batesian mimicry include the viceroy butterfly mimicking the monarch butterfly and the non-venomous milk snake mimicking the coral snake patterns.
- How can you tell the difference between a scarlet kingsnake and a coral snake? You can tell the difference by the rhyme: 'Red touches black, safe for Jack; red touches yellow, kills a fellow.' This indicates that when red and black bars are next to each other, the snake is non-venomous, while red and yellow indicate a venomous coral snake.