Experimental Studies of Mimicry. IV. The Reactions of Starlings to Different Proportions of Models and Mimics

Abstract

Experiments were carried out to test effectiveness of mimicry at different proportions of models and mimics with Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) as predators and mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) as artificial models and mimics. A band of green cellulose paint was used to mark the "model" mealworms which were made unpalatable by being dipped into a 66% solution of quinine dihydrochloride. "Mimic" mealworms were identically banded, but dipped into distilled water, as were orange-banded "edible" mealworms. It was found that birds which received 10%, 30%, and even 60% mimics (balance being models) rejected about 80% of the mimics. Two birds which were given 90% mimics (only 10% models) nevertheless rejected 17% of mimics, indicating that mimicry may be effective even when a mimic outnumbers its model by as much as nine to one.