Biology
The Evolutionary Ecology of Mimicry and Warning Coloration in Butterflies
Quick fact
Some harmless butterflies, like the viceroy, have evolved to closely resemble toxic monarchs, a strategy that saves them from predators—yet over time, the viceroy has also developed its own mild toxins, blurring the line between Batesian and Müllerian mimicry.
Why this is interesting
You've likely seen butterflies with bold, colorful wings—but why do some species flash bright orange and black, while others quietly mimic them? How can a harmless butterfly gain protection by looking like a poisonous one?