warning coloration

n. The conspicuous markings of a noxious or unpalatable organism, such as a skunk, that serve to warn off potential predators. Also called aposematic coloration.

warning coloration

Bright pattern of markings indicating that an animal is unpleasant to eat.

Thesaurus

Noun

warning coloration - conspicuous coloration or markings of an animal serving to warn off predators; "a skunk's aposematic coloration"aposematic colorationprotective coloration - coloration making an organism less visible or attractive to predators

Warning Coloration

(also aposematic coloration), a type of protective coloration and form in which inedible animals have a vivid, usually variegated, coloration. Such animals are easily recognizable owing to contrasting color combinations (black, red, and white; orange, white, and black). Insects characterized by warning coloration include soldier beetles, lady bugs, chafers, leaf beetles, blister beetles, and butterflies (Zygaenidae, Arctiidae, Heliconidae). Warning coloration is also characteristic of some fishes, salamanders, fire-bellied toads, birds (dron-gos), and mammals (skunk).

The conspicuousness of animals with warning coloration is to their advantage, inasmuch as when they are recognized, they are not subject to attack from predators. Warning coloration promotes survival of a species in the struggle for existence and is a result of natural selection. (SeeMIMICRY.)

warning coloration

n. The conspicuous markings of a noxious or unpalatable organism, such as a skunk, that serve to warn off potential predators. Also called aposematic coloration.