aposematic
adj/ˌæpə(ʊ)sɪˈmætɪk/ · /-sɛ-/
Etymology From apo- + sematic.
1
Biology, Natural sciences, Zoology Of a coloration or marking That serves as a warning to predators, as of toxicity, especially falsely.
- Episematic characters are far less common than aposematic, and these than cryptic; although, as regards the latter comparison, the opposite impression is generally produced from the fact that concealment is so successfully attained.1911, “Colours of Animals”, in The Encyclopædia Britannica, 11th edition, volume V, page 732:
- Contrasting patterns of red and black are classic aposematic warnings that signal would-be predators to “back off, leave me alone … if you do not, you will regret the consequences.”2016, Justin O. Schmidt, The Sting of the Wild, Johns Hopkins University Press, →ISBN, page 6:
- Related terms
- aposematism, aposematically