Batesian Mimicry
Batesian mimicry works when mimics are rare relative to models.
Deception succeeds when rare; mimicry only works until receivers learn to distinguish real from fake.
A milk snake slithers through the undergrowth. Its pattern - red, yellow, and black bands - closely resembles that of the highly venomous coral snake native to the same region. But the milk snake is harmless. Its coloration is Batesian mimicry: a dishonest signal exploiting predators' learned avoidance of coral snakes. The milk snake benefits from the coral snake's dangerous reputation without paying the cost of producing venom.
Business Application of Batesian Mimicry
Batesian mimicry works when mimics are rare relative to models. If mimics become too common, receivers learn to ignore the signal - exactly what happened with Luckin Coffee's fraudulent growth signals.
Batesian Mimicry Appears in 2 Chapters
Batesian mimicry works when mimics are rare - if mimics become common, receivers learn to ignore the signal and the deception collapses.
Frequency-dependent mimicry →Viceroy butterflies mimic toxic monarchs, gaining protection only while remaining rare enough that predators don't learn to distinguish them.
Visual mimicry in butterflies →