Batesian Mimicry Converges toward Inaccuracy in Myrmecomorphic Spiders.

ABSTRACT: Batesian mimicry is an impressive example of convergent evolution driven by predation. However, the observation that many mimics only superficially resemble their models despite strong selective pressures is an apparent paradox. Here, we tested the "perfecting hypothesis", that posits that inaccurate mimicry may represent a transitional stage at the macroevolutionary scale by performing the hereto largest phylogenetic analysis (in terms of the number of taxa and genetic data) of ant-mimicking spiders across two speciose but independent clades, the jumping spider tribe Myrmarachnini (Salticidae) and the sac spider subfamily Castianeirinae (Corinnidae). We found that accurate ant mimicry evolved in a gradual process in both clades, by an integration of compound traits contributing to the ant

SUBMITTER: Kelly MBJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12712336 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature