Batesian Mimicry: Selective Advantage of Color Pattern
J. G. STERNBURG 1,
G. P. WALDBAUER 1, and
M. R. JEFFORDS 1
1 Department of Entomology, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801
Field studies of releases and recaptures of diurnal moths painted with yellow to resemble the edible tiger swallowtail and of black moths that resemble a toxic species of swallowtail produced these results: (i) A greater proportion of the black moths were recaptured; (ii) daily trapping for a week after each release showed that the black moths survived longer than the yellow-painted moths; (iii) an analysis of wing injuries shows that most attacks can be attributed to birds and that the yellow-painted moths were attacked more often, more vigorously, or more persistently than the black moths. These results are interpreted as showing a greater predation pressure on the yellow-painted than on the black moths and, therefore, as confirming the Batesian theory of mimicry.
Submitted on August 11, 1976
Revised on October 26, 1976
