Mimic

There are two types of mimics:

1. Batesian mimics, where the mimic resembles the successful species but does not share the attribute that makes the successful species distasteful to predators.
2. Mullerian mimics, where the mimic resembles the successful species and shares the distasteful attribute.

For example, the Aegeria moth is a Batesian mimic of the yellow jacket wasp, because it resembles the wasp, but is not capable of stinging. A predator who would thus avoid the wasp would similarly avoid the Aegeria.

On the other hand, a honeybee is a Mullerian mimic of the wasp, since both share similar appearance and coloring, and both are capable of stinging.

See also: predator

The science fiction/horror film Mimic features a species of cockroach that has evolved to resemble humans.

In many works of fiction in the science fiction and fantasy genres, a mimic is a type of shapeshifter similar to a doppelganger. For example, in the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, a mimic is a creature that typically takes the form of a treasure chest or a seemingly valuable object.

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