Question

The small tropical moth, Macrocilix maia, is found in India, China, Malaysia, and other parts of Asia. M. maia’s claim to fame is that it is excellent at pretending to be something it is not. The patterns on this moth’s wings look like two flies feeding on bird droppings, which have dashes of white to make them look wet and fresh. M. maia’s features are an example of mimicry. Mimicry is when an organism (called a mimic) resembles something else (called a model).”

What is a possible advantage of mimicry?

increase in mate selection

decrease in disease

decrease in predation

increase in food sources

Answer 1

Decrease in predation.

By mimicking bird droppings (and appearing like flies on them), the moth is less likely to be recognized and eaten by predators who avoid inedible or uninteresting objects.