COPYCATS

Have you ever been tricked by something that was fake? Sometimes we think sparkly jewels are diamonds, but they are really just glass. Other times we believe that our baseball card is signed by our favorite player, but it is only a copy. Animals can make copies too. Some copies are so good that we don't know that they aren't the real thing. Smaller, weaker animals have to imitate stronger animals to stay alive. These "copycats" are called MIMICS. If insects or other less powerful animals can trick their predators into thinking they are a different animal by the sounds they make, or the colors on their body, they just might survive a little longer.

Take a look at these two butterflies. One is a Monarch and very yucky to eat. The other is a Viceroy and very yummy. If an animal eats a Monarch butterfly and HATES it, it will stay away from ALL butterflies that look like Monarchs. This helps the Viceroy because many animals mistake it for a Monarch.

monarchmimic
It's hard to tell the difference isn't it?

To learn more about MIMICRY click on the animals below:


Hooked on Mimicry? Try these sites to learn more:

Insect Camouflage and Mimicry: Learn about different types of mimicry and discover how some mimic are really mean!

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