Müllerian mimicry as a result of codivergence between velvet ants and spider wasps.

Juanita Rodriguez, James P Pitts, Carol D von Dohlen, Joseph S Wilson

December 2015

Synopsis of Social media discussions

Discussions reflect strong curiosity and support, as many posts praise videos on mimicry, such as 'This is possibly one of the most well put together videos I’ve seen on YouTube,' and mention specific insects like velvet ants to illustrate their interest. The tone is enthusiastic and appreciative, emphasizing the educational value and intriguing nature of mimicry as explored in the publication.

A
Agreement
 Moderate agreement

Most discussions express fascination and support for the scientific insights about mimicry, showing general agreement with the article's significance.

I
Interest
 High level of interest

Many posts highlight the educational and intriguing nature of the topic, indicating high interest, especially with mentions of detailed videos and explanations.

E
Engagement
 Moderate level of engagement

Several comments reference watching lengthy videos, sharing examples, and discussing specific insects like velvet ants, showing moderate engagement.

I
Impact
 Moderate level of impact

The discussions suggest the topic prompts curiosity and appreciation for evolutionary biology, but the overall impact appears limited to enthusiasts and students.

Social Mentions

YouTube

2 Videos

Twitter

80 Posts

Metrics

Video Views

3,221,063

Total Likes

54,698

Extended Reach

3,556,875

Social Features

82

Timeline: Posts about article

Top Social Media Posts

Posts referencing the article

Müllerian Mimicry in Velvet Ants and Spider Wasps Explained

Müllerian Mimicry in Velvet Ants and Spider Wasps Explained

Mimicry is one of the most intriguing and fascinating evolutionary phenomena. This video explores how velvet ants and spider wasps in North America have evolved to resemble each other through Müllerian mimicry, sharing warning signals to deter predators.

Deep Dive

April 30, 2021

2,377,028 views

Velvet Ants and Spider Wasps Co-evolved in Müllerian Mimicry

Velvet Ants and Spider Wasps Co-evolved in Müllerian Mimicry

Most creatures are part of the food chain, but velvet ants employ multiple defenses in one unappealing package. The study explores how velvet ants and spider wasps in North America have evolved similar appearances through Müllerian mimicry, benefiting both species by sharing warning signals.

SciShow

November 24, 2020

844,035 views

  • ☁
    @yvngchzy (Twitter)

    @extradeadjcb Sick video on mimicry btw https://t.co/BX1AJKnLng
    view full post

    June 27, 2025

  • Daniel Hawk
    @BlackHawk2275 (Twitter)

    https://t.co/S3Ml4CtJep Do the insects know or realise how stupid you all look? https://t.co/XVW5N6HWZi
    view full post

    September 12, 2024

  • matthew⚡⬆️
    @matthew_stowell (Twitter)

    @lovedoveclarke They don't know what birds look like. If you have the time, this is a really good video that explains mimicry in plants and animals https://t.co/2SdPUAoE7P
    view full post

    January 14, 2024

  • Soheil
    @Soheilx (Twitter)

    دنیای حیوانات واقعا عجیبه؛ مثل دنیای آخوندهایِ انسان‌نما و شیعه‌سانانِ انگل‌مغز. خواستم بگم ویدیوی خوبیه: https://t.co/qRR0Z1qyxs
    view full post

    August 18, 2023

    5

  • Chrissandra
    @chrisprocesses (Twitter)

    @kingawful https://t.co/5OamY5v6vt
    view full post

    March 20, 2023

    2


  • @VileDemiurge (Twitter)

    RT @CulDeSacHero: @Trad_West_Art Classic case of mimicry. Many examples in nature. https://t.co/NePFpEBP4I
    view full post

    February 25, 2023

    1

  • Eggertarian Nationalist (Justice Hero)
    @CulDeSacHero (Twitter)

    @Trad_West_Art Classic case of mimicry. Many examples in nature. https://t.co/NePFpEBP4I
    view full post

    February 24, 2023

    3

    1

  • Jace Leal
    @LealJace (Twitter)

    @waitbutwhy https://t.co/tLFWPwUt1w
    view full post

    December 7, 2022

  • smolvill g0to
    @abvillanuevac1 (Twitter)

    After almost a month looking for this video, finally found it. The part about cuckoos begins about 35:00min. The whole video it’s awesome, tho. https://t.co/owXsowkfPz https://t.co/6j9HKkSlMW
    view full post

    November 29, 2022

  • smolvill g0to
    @abvillanuevac1 (Twitter)

    @fasc1nate After almost a month looking for this video, finally found it. The part about cuckoos begins about 35:00min. The whole video it’s awesome, tho. https://t.co/owXsow26Br
    view full post

    November 29, 2022

  • no cons
    @exe06_ (Twitter)

    @Joshsh5 @gunsnrosesgirl3 https://t.co/4Z7tNdGe7M
    view full post

    November 10, 2022

    1

  • Peter Hodges
    @punter05 (Twitter)

    @carinbondar https://t.co/11ySWUlOxu
    view full post

    September 11, 2022

    1

  • Peter Hodges
    @punter05 (Twitter)

    @georgecmcgavin https://t.co/11ySWUmmn2
    view full post

    September 11, 2022

  • Jace Leal
    @LealJace (Twitter)

    @waitbutwhy Watch this if you haven’t already. It’s amazing. https://t.co/tLFWPwCjNo
    view full post

    May 12, 2022

    2

    1

  • ทวงคืนน้องสากลับมาทุกจักรวาลของ KKG
    @parkparn (Twitter)

    อวยยศขั้นสุด งานดีมาก https://t.co/Z6y3KPu7wV
    view full post

    May 2, 2022


  • @TroyRubert (Twitter)

    @warcroft @MeetKarma45 Excellent video on the topic for people who want to know more about this. https://t.co/d1rFIVDJYv
    view full post

    May 1, 2022

    3

  • Crypt⭕️ Kh
    @CryptoKhaki (Twitter)

    RT @TettehAnansi: https://t.co/4rUxezaHSw Damn. lmao. @CryptoKhaki @kidix3000 @itstru__ @Bo0obs4u0 @Binkie0724
    view full post

    April 12, 2022

    1

  • Tetteh ANANSI
    @TettehAnansi (Twitter)

    https://t.co/4rUxezaHSw Damn. lmao. @CryptoKhaki @kidix3000 @itstru__ @Bo0obs4u0 @Binkie0724
    view full post

    April 12, 2022

    4

    1

  • Allwyn♡
    @drgnfrt (Twitter)

    @tasteofcherrry This video! And also anything from Real Science (it’s mostly animal facts) https://t.co/fGDXckeKCI
    view full post

    January 31, 2022

  • Society of Modern Sciences
    @ModernSciences_ (Twitter)

    YouTube channel Deep Dive tours us around the very odd world of mimicry, showing us some of the interesting ways that nature copies parts of itself to survive. https://t.co/osdNvjxlJ2 Credits to Deep Dive.
    view full post

    January 3, 2022

  • Overton Fugitive
    @OvertonFugitive (Twitter)

    @naninizhoni https://t.co/v69AUTKilO
    view full post

    December 13, 2021

  • Erin Kubinek
    @ErinKubinek (Twitter)

    Ok all I can think about after watching this is about stories about shape shifters, Changlings, The Fea, Draconian Reptilians etc. (And a very different appreciation for the Del Toro film Mimic). https://t.co/DDtT7uzqCK
    view full post

    December 9, 2021

  • Dan Zetterström
    @TheZignal (Twitter)

    ‘Mimicry - When Animals Copy Other Animals’ https://t.co/aLTNH1A1H0
    view full post

    December 6, 2021

    3

  • Finچer's 3rd arc
    @Sir_Fingsberg (Twitter)

    https://t.co/jFTitOCfX1
    view full post

    December 5, 2021

    1

  • Alvn
    @alvndoinggreat (Twitter)

    ITS FUCKINGGGG GOODDDDD BROOOHH https://t.co/LhsH3LMvGF
    view full post

    November 25, 2021

  • nchon
    @witheredrant (Twitter)

    yallahh bagus banget channel ini. mau nanges Mimicry - When Animals Copy Other Animals https://t.co/WDMSr3Wssx
    view full post

    November 18, 2021

  • Shael Riley
    @ShaelRiley (Twitter)

    This nature documentary on mimicry is very good. https://t.co/WCfcghy5FO
    view full post

    October 30, 2021

    1

  • Dr Swapnil Phadtare
    @Swapnil4r (Twitter)

    Mimicry - When Animals Copy Other Animals https://t.co/XkMCVQOElb via @YouTube
    view full post

    September 6, 2021

    1

  • Txema Heredia
    @Txema_Heredia (Twitter)

    Amazing video on mimicry. I just learned there's a species of clam that mimics a tiny fish so bigger fish try to eat it, get shot in the face with thousands of parasitic clam larvae, and carry those larvae upriver. https://t.co/z0CJnoWDGx
    view full post

    August 24, 2021

    4

  • Ed
    @edkun197 (Twitter)

    https://t.co/vtzpOOiYsO Cocoo Cocoo Cocoo
    view full post

    August 8, 2021

  • madao…ando改
    @Nf3pV (Twitter)

    RT @edkun197: https://t.co/CsyM9dLRQo Today I learnt: Mimicry parasitic freshwater clams exist https://t.co/hFRyFHSkqN
    view full post

    August 8, 2021

    1

  • Ed
    @edkun197 (Twitter)

    https://t.co/CsyM9dLRQo Today I learnt: Mimicry parasitic freshwater clams exist https://t.co/hFRyFHSkqN
    view full post

    August 8, 2021

    2

    1

  • marie9087
    @9087Marie9087 (Twitter)

    Mimicry - When Animals Copy Other Animals https://t.co/rRAFC41Wja via @YouTube
    view full post

    July 28, 2021

  • Elfa dos Insetos
    @ElfaDosInsetos (Twitter)

    Links e referências: https://t.co/pdYcH449Pu https://t.co/1ncRqfZW5o https://t.co/M0pTNNyH8n https://t.co/bP8fzpdse0 https://t.co/dEocZvv8mJ
    view full post

    July 25, 2021

    11

  • Theodora
    @LebenIstMagie (Twitter)

    RT @4_legged_friend: For everyone interested in animal mimicry, this is a must watch! This video greatly explains the mechanics after anima…
    view full post

    June 24, 2021


  • @Floris_et_Fauna (Twitter)

    For everyone interested in animal mimicry, this is a must watch! This video greatly explains the mechanics after animals copying each others appearance with some astounding examples. https://t.co/Zg0EBQZUWa
    view full post

    June 24, 2021

    2

  • Worms of OZ
    @OzWorms (Twitter)

    Mimicry - When Animals Copy Other Animals https://t.co/Ftsp8yiRAr via @YouTube
    view full post

    June 21, 2021

    1

  • Nekupaska
    @NekuBaba (Twitter)

    https://t.co/DQVvX6DGox
    view full post

    June 18, 2021

  • गेलो humour
    @kyumarnahai (Twitter)

    here's a link lol. you can easily watch it on 1.75×. https://t.co/bsQkz7uxuH
    view full post

    June 17, 2021

  • ❌ The Last Days of FrankDeadly
    @FrankDeadly (Twitter)

    Mimicry - When Animals Copy Other Animals https://t.co/JFkVer1oOm
    view full post

    June 16, 2021

  • emem
    @eatingw0rmz (Twitter)

    https://t.co/JJW1OVY8F5
    view full post

    June 8, 2021

  • Àlvar Alonso Rosell
    @AlvarAlonso (Twitter)

    Justo ayer vi esta maravilla https://t.co/zdL2BxosIf sobre técnicas animales de imitación. Es una joya este canal https://t.co/NLYui0Zstn
    view full post

    June 6, 2021

  • Utek
    @utekleong (Twitter)

    This is possibly one of the most well put together videos I’ve seen on youtube. So much history and information packed into an hour long video?!? Mimicry - When Animals Copy Other Animals https://t.co/piKlbtfbTa
    view full post

    May 22, 2021

  • andrew wilson
    @renuvin (Twitter)

    @daveexplains I think yiu might like this about mimicry and evolution https://t.co/N0iNogsB4j
    view full post

    May 19, 2021

  • Kyle of the Squirrel
    @risunokairu (Twitter)

    Mimicry - When Animals Copy Other Animals https://t.co/yMotl3ZqAM via @YouTube
    view full post

    May 14, 2021

  • eyeunify
    @eyemodify (Twitter)

    Mimicry - When Animals Copy Other Animals https://t.co/KFeRRgNBqj via @YouTube
    view full post

    May 14, 2021

  • Michael Lindbloom
    @MikeyBooo (Twitter)

    Mimicry - When Animals Copy Other Animals https://t.co/873altuCl6 via @YouTube
    view full post

    May 13, 2021

  • Hadyn Reis Murray
    @HadynRMurray (Twitter)

    Mimicry - When Animals Copy Other Animals https://t.co/YmGmqHl81G via @YouTube Such an interesting and well made video, well worth a watch
    view full post

    May 13, 2021

  • hafidh
    @hafidhist (Twitter)

    https://t.co/o9W0iW1wxv
    view full post

    May 10, 2021

  • deadboy
    @sadboy_Otoroshi (Twitter)

    I haven't been educated this thoroughly in a long time. https://t.co/JZqfNecWFY
    view full post

    May 9, 2021

  • Neko
    @Neko1320 (Twitter)

    https://t.co/Ye2LLjLQgB #Long #Educational #Mimicry #Edutainment #Biology #Liars #Decievers #EvolutionRace
    view full post

    May 8, 2021

  • Gohsuke Takama
    @gohsuket (Twitter)

    memo 53min "When Evolution plays Among Us - Mimicry explored" on YouTube - https://t.co/q0lnJdeqim
    view full post

    May 8, 2021

  • Sudh, zoologist wannabe, Vgen comms open
    @ssappurisa3 (Twitter)

    RT @wizentrop: This is an exhaustive (and I do mean it in every sense of the word) video full of classic examples exploring and discussing…
    view full post

    May 6, 2021

    2

  • Eliza Körmendi
    @ElizaKormendi (Twitter)


    view full post

    May 6, 2021

  • Val Giddings
    @prometheusgreen (Twitter)

    RT @wizentrop: This is an exhaustive (and I do mean it in every sense of the word) video full of classic examples exploring and discussing…
    view full post

    May 4, 2021

    2

  • Gil Wizen
    @wizentrop (Twitter)

    This is an exhaustive (and I do mean it in every sense of the word) video full of classic examples exploring and discussing the different types of mimicry. It can easily be used as a class lesson in Evolutionary Biology. https://t.co/coJXGZFFnC
    view full post

    May 4, 2021

    3

    2

  • Arif Suganda
    @asugandasu (Twitter)

    When Evolution plays Among Us - Mimicry explored https://t.co/QJbEWh2FFz via @YouTube
    view full post

    May 4, 2021

  • Justin Ma
    @genetic_driftin (Twitter)

    https://t.co/XXqb6ILMoW
    view full post

    May 2, 2021

  • Anthony Rek LeCounte
    @RekLeCounte (Twitter)

    https://t.co/fiUBmqHAFE
    view full post

    May 2, 2021

  • Dystopia Diver
    @DystopiaDiver (Twitter)

    @madeofmistak3 Hey kiddos... looks like both of you like some good science... come watch this for free: https://t.co/VGiQlE98aY https://t.co/b7OB5QBCZN
    view full post

    May 1, 2021

    1

  • Eduardo Marabuto
    @EMarabuto (Twitter)

    Want to know everything about mimicry? Amazing video. When Evolution plays Among Us - Mimicry explored https://t.co/gsiHvdpytM via @YouTube
    view full post

    May 1, 2021

    2


  • @aiman4ammar (Twitter)

    https://t.co/nT6Fn7sKhb
    view full post

    May 1, 2021

  • Dystopia Diver
    @DystopiaDiver (Twitter)

    @Pirulla25 e @DaviCalazans e @DavidAyrolla e outros biologos desse brasil, tenho certeza que esse aqui vai ser um dos vídeos mais incriveis que vocês irão assistir em anos https://t.co/VGiQlE98aY
    view full post

    April 30, 2021

  • Anand K. Vajapeyam
    @vajapeyam (Twitter)

    The Insect Nothing Messes With: Meet the Velvet Ant https://t.co/GSNkG9t5Xz
    view full post

    November 30, 2020

  • CHAOSTROPHIC
    @CHAOSTROPHICCOM (Twitter)

    Here’s Why Nobody In The Animal Kingdom Messes With A Velvet Ant https://t.co/vKEZkSB3zD https://t.co/h8InrMF2VG
    view full post

    November 30, 2020

  • ShrikeAenea
    @ShrikeAenea79 (Twitter)

    So like I just saw this video https://t.co/efAJ3EdAqK I don't know how to suggest enemy designs in a game but wouldn't this be a cool insect for say #SilkSong. I seriously love @TeamCherryGames first game, Hollow Knight. I at least want to know what other fans think! Thanks!
    view full post

    November 28, 2020

  • Luca
    @SorrisoCattivo (Twitter)

    https://t.co/vROtWFVzRD
    view full post

    November 27, 2020

  • bigfootpegrande (Est. 2006) ☮️
    @bigfootpegrande (Twitter)

    @Fumie_Sak @ElfaDosInsetos Desculpe pela língua, mas achei interessante que o vídeo saiu no mesmo dia da nossa discussão: https://t.co/Vv35BipNtb
    view full post

    November 26, 2020

  • Raja-Ulat #SupportHorikoshi
    @RajaUlat (Twitter)

    The Insect Nothing Messes With: Meet the Velvet Ant https://t.co/woy8xNQe8e via @YouTube
    view full post

    November 26, 2020

  • PodcastsIListenTo
    @PodcastsIListen (Twitter)

    .@SciShow publishes daily videos about current questions from the world of science. https://t.co/UoGzCsCsYJ Newsletter: https://t.co/jsq9u5dDiI #biology #science #scishow #trivia #velvetant https://t.co/aDzDSn2D4k
    view full post

    November 25, 2020

  • William Wallace
    @bill14051 (Twitter)

    RT @SciShow: Despite its soft name, you don’t want to mess with the velvet ant. For one, they’re not technically ants, they’re wasps, and a…
    view full post

    November 25, 2020

    2

  • T
    @TeaTheScout (Twitter)

    >__________>;;;; https://t.co/7tA4WRlChw
    view full post

    November 25, 2020

  • SciShow
    @SciShow (Twitter)

    Despite its soft name, you don’t want to mess with the velvet ant. For one, they’re not technically ants, they’re wasps, and also, they’re parasites. https://t.co/1D2zVCRna5 https://t.co/ZkABDcN3r1
    view full post

    November 25, 2020

    22

    2

  • Cecile Braconnier
    @braco001 (Twitter)

    The Insect Nothing Messes With: Meet the Velvet Ant https://t.co/GjsKD8m0FL via @YouTube
    view full post

    November 25, 2020

  • sam pearl #history #A.I #science #UFO #bigfoot
    @sam11_pearl (Twitter)

    The Insect Nothing Messes With: Meet the Velvet Ant https://t.co/EPoC1miSK6 via @YouTube
    view full post

    November 25, 2020

  • ToddSouth
    @ToddSouth (Twitter)

    https://t.co/GE3PWOslze
    view full post

    November 24, 2020

  • monte letourneau
    @MonteLetourneau (Twitter)


    view full post

    November 24, 2020

  • e-csce
    @e_csce (Twitter)

    The Insect Nothing Messes With: Meet the Velvet Ant @ https://t.co/tsD1FtWzQi https://t.co/IFXRtHYYRm
    view full post

    November 24, 2020

  • The year is 12025
    @R_Stormageddon (Twitter)

    The Insect Nothing Messes With: Meet the Velvet Ant https://t.co/YpjSdFkXiy
    view full post

    November 24, 2020

  • Johannes Lüke
    @JohannesSLueke (Twitter)

    New video by SciShow: The Insect Nothing Messes With: Meet the Velvet Ant https://t.co/LjRZLa60dX
    view full post

    November 24, 2020

Abstract Synopsis

  • The study investigates how velvet ants (Dasymutilla) and spider wasps (Psorthaspis) in North America have evolved to look similar through Müllerian mimicry, suggesting they benefit mutually by sharing warning signals to predators.
  • Researchers conducted physical measurements, perception tests, and analyzed historical distribution data to see how well Psorthaspis matched the mimicry complex of Dasymutilla, and used genetic analysis to build evolutionary trees for both groups to assess their shared history.
  • The findings indicate that Psorthaspis and Dasymutilla not only share similar appearances but also likely diverged together over time, reinforcing the idea that their co-evolution shaped the mimicry strategy in their environments.]