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Wasmannian mimicry occurs when two species live in close proximity with one another. The mimic then models various features of the model this can include chemical mimicry or mimicry of morphological features [1]. Many Wasmmanian mimics also exhibit Batesian and chemical mimicry.
Gelis Agilis (Ichneumonidae) share many similarities with the ant Lasius niger. G. agilis is a wingless parasitoid wasp which exhibits multi-trait mimicry of garden ants [2]. While it is quite common for species to mimic both morphological and behavioural characteristics of their model ants, G. agilis is distinctive as it also exhibits chemical mimicry as an anti-predator strategy. It is unusual for mimics to converge on multiple traits[2]. Additionally chemical mimicry is thought to be a less common form of mimicry in general [2][3]. In addition to Batesian mimicry, the relationship between G. agilis and the black garden wasp also demonstrates Wasmannian mimicry as the two organisms live in close proximity of each other[2]. G.agilis mimics the body size, locomotion and other morphological features of its model ant. Additionally, when threatened it also releases a toxic chemical which is similar to the ant like alarm pheromone produced by the garden ant. This multi trait mimicry serves to protect G. agilis from ground predators such as wolf spiders.[4]
Four species of arthropods mimic the ant Camponotus Planatus within the Mountain Pine Ridge of British Honduras [5]. This is a unique example of ant mimicry as it is unusual for four different species to mimic the same ant model. In addition to Baetsian mimicry, this is also an example of Wassmanian mimicry as these species live within 15 km of each other[5]. The first mimic is the clubnoid spider (Mymectoypus Fulignous), this spider mimics C. planatus in various ways including morphology and behaviour. Secondly, the salticid spider Sarindia Linda mimics C. Planatus extremely well, moving S. Linda resemble their model so well they are hard to distinguish from C. Planatus. S. linda mimics the locomotion patterns, pumping of the abdomen, and movements in antenna, females of this species often use their forward legs to walk and their second pair of hind legs to mimic the antenna of C. Planatus [5]. The third mimic is a Mirid bug (Baberiella) which mimics the model in both gait and antennal mimicry. Finally, the mantid, Mantodia maya (Sasussuri and Zehnter) also uses C. Planatus as a model[5]. Individuals that mimic C. Planatus are typically 3-9mm long and are considered to be one of the most conspicuous ants of the Mountain Pine Ridge, hence, predators tend to avoid them. They forage on both leaf litter and shrub debris. All four mimics have been seen foraging in areas with their model with no interference. [6].
Sources:
http://research.haifa.ac.il/~biology/simcha/Publications/I103.pdf
https://academic.oup.com/ee/article-abstract/40/5/1223/418693
http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/278/1710/1356.short
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4306968/https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/2424528.pdf?
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Both of these topics sound like good choices, I look forward to the final project.
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