title: Batesian mimicry: selective advantage of color pattern.
abstract: Field studies of releases and recaptures of diurnal moths painted with yellow to resemble the edible tiger swallowtail and of black moths that resemble a toxic species of swallowtail produced these results: (i) A greater proportion of the black moths were recaptured; (ii) daily trapping for a week after each release showed that the black moths survived longer than the yellow-painted moths; (iii) an analysis of wing injuries shows that most attacks can be attributed to birds and that the yellow-painted moths were attacked more often, more vigorously, or more persistently than the black moths. These results are interpreted as showing a greater predation pressure on the yellow-painted than on the black moths and, therefore, as confirming the Batesian theory of mimicry.
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Sternburg
authors.forename: G P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Waldbauer
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Jeffords