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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of warning coloration

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

warning coloration

Mullerian mimicry because it involves different species that both produce toxins and display similar warning coloration.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

Many organisms have developed defenses against predation and herbivory, including mechanical defenses, warning coloration, and mimicry, as a result of evolution and the interaction with other members of the community.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

In Müllerian mimicry, multiple species share the same warning coloration, but all of them actually have defenses.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

In other cases of mimicry, multiple species share the same warning coloration, but all of them actually have defenses.

From Textbooks ● Sep. 6, 2018

There has, however, recently been a reaction among naturalists in regard to the validity of many supposed examples of warning coloration and the whole subject is still open to careful investigation.

From Butterflies Worth Knowing by Weed, Clarence M.