Mutualistic Müllerian mimicry
and parasitic
Batesian mimicry can co-exist in
mimicry rings, i.e., mimetic
relationships between multiple species. Theory suggests that all
Müllerian mimics in an ecosystem
should
converge into one large ring. Potentially, the presence of Batesian
mimics will encourage convergence. It has been suggested that rare
species should seek out common species as models. Mimicry rings
have not previously been modelled; we present an evolutionary
simulation to investigate the above questions. Complete convergence
is not observed although Batesian mimicry is shown to be important
factor in the origin of mimicry rings.