Automimicry

Automimicry, also called intraspecific mimicry or self-mimicry, is a form of mimicry in which individuals within the same species diverge in conspicuous traits or defenses, and some individuals resemble others to gain protection or deceive rivals. In automimicry, the model and the mimic are conspecific, sharing the same ecological context and predator community.

Mechanisms and dynamics: Automimicry usually involves variation in defense expression or warning signals within a population. The mimic gains protection by resembling a defended or more conspicuous conspecific, while the model bears the costly trait. This relationship is often governed by frequency-dependent selection: when defended morphs are common, mimics may gain less protection; when mimics are rare, the protective cue remains effective. Automimicry can be described in terms similar to Batesian mimicry (a non-defended morph mimics a defended one within the same species) or Müllerian mimicry (multiple defended morphs within a species reinforce a common signal). Variation can arise from genetics, age, diet, or environmental conditions that influence defense expression or signaling.

Examples and taxonomic scope: Automimicry has been reported in a range of taxa, including insects and reptiles, where some individuals show reduced toxin, weaker chemical defenses, or altered warning coloration yet still benefit from the species’ overall aposematic signal. The phenomenon highlights how warning signals and costly defenses can remain stable in polymorphic populations and reflects the complexity of intraspecific communication and evolution.

See also: Batesian mimicry, Müllerian mimicry, aposematism, polymorphism.