When is resemblance mimicry?

Abstract

Mimetic resemblance is extensive across the tree of life yet agreeing on what constitutes mimicry is challenging. One of the reasons for disagreement is a lack of unambiguous criteria to resolve whether a case of resemblance is a product of mimicry or alternative processes. Mimicry occurs when an organism takes advantage of the perception and association that a receiver has with a model to gain adaptive benefits. Three conditions should be fulfilled to confirm mimicry: (1) characterising a model, (2) identifying a receiver with a percept of said model and (3) demonstrating that the receiver exerts selection on the mimic. We suggest multiple lines of evidence, both experimental and correlative, to support each condition. These conditions help separate similarity due to crypsis and perceptual bias from mimetic resemblance. Furthermore, we explore forms of receiver-mediated selection on the mimic, what mimics need to resemble for successful mimicry to occur, and the evolution of imperfect mimicry. We hope this perspective provides a functional pathway for biologists to confirm the existence of mimicry and serve as a guide for studying mimetic interactions across disciplines. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.