... when mimicry turns into a trap
Not all mimics in the insect world use their talent to avoid being eaten. Some species do the exact opposite – they use it to attract their prey.
The walking legs of a stick insect
The swimming legs of a backswimmer
Female fireflies in the Photinus genus flash a special light pattern to attract males ready to mate. The fireflies of the Photuris genus flash exactly the same light pattern to attract Photinus males – but with the intention of devouring them.
However, mimicry can also be used by insects in another way, namely to find food easier. For example, many mantises look like flowers or leaves so as not to be seen by their prey.
One species of rove beetle takes this deception even further: it grows a termite-like mass on its back so that it can simply move into a termite mound and trick the inhabitants into feeding it.
By the way: plants can also mimic insects to attract them. The flowers of the bee orchid mimic the appearance and scent of a female bee. This tactic attracts male bees to pollinate it.
