Batesian mimic

Imperfect Batesian mimicry

In imperfect Batesian mimicry, the mimics do not exactly resemble their models. An example of this is the fly Spilomyia longicornis, which mimics vespid wasps. However, it is not a perfect mimic. Wasps have long black antennae and this fly does not. Instead, they wave their front legs above their heads to look like the antennae on the wasps. Many reasons have been suggested for imperfect mimicry. Imperfect mimics may simply be evolving towards perfection. They may gain advantage from resembling multiple models at once. Humans may not evaluate mimics in the same way as actual predators. Mimics may confuse predators by resembling both model and nonmimic at the same time (satyric mimicry). Kin selection may enforce poor mimicry. The selective advantage of better mimicry may not outweigh the advantages of other strategies like thermoregulation or camouflage.