Visual signals 2

How do wing colors help butterflies?

They allow species recognition during mating.

How do bold color patterns deter predators?

They signal danger or toxicity, e.g., black-and-yellow warning stripes.

What is an example of a caterpillar using visual deterrence?

Spicebush swallowtail: early stages look like bird droppings, later stages mimic a snake with eye rings.

What are Mullerian and Batesian mimicry?

Mullerian: multiple toxic species share warning patterns.

Batesian: harmless species copy toxic models.

How do visual signals attract mates?

Bright colors, exaggerated or symmetrical traits, and patterned displays indicate mate quality.

How can visual signals indicate s- receptiveness?

Changes in coloration or specific stances (e.g., lordosis) reveal fertility.