warning coloration

American  

noun

Biology.

1. a bold, distinctive pattern of color characteristic of a poisonous or unpalatable organism, as the skunk or the monarch butterfly, that functions as a warning to and defense against predators.

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warning coloration Scientific  

/ wôr′nĭng /

1. Conspicuously recognizable markings of an animal that serve to warn potential predators of the nuisance or harm that would come from attacking or eating it. The bold patterns of skunks and the bright colors of poison arrow frogs are examples of warning coloration.

2. Also called aposematic coloration

3. Compare camouflage

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Etymology

Origin of warning coloration

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

This astonishing documentary revisits that August day; a thrilling exploration of one man’s mad dream.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 3, 2023

His finest album may be 1996's Bug Music, a thrilling exploration of the jumpy, angular and surprisingly substantive music written for, among other things, 1940s cartoons.

From Time Magazine Archive