On the definition of mimicry

An operational distinction between crypsis and mimicry is made in terms of the cognitive and perceptual systems of signal-receivers. Cryptic organisms specialize in generating information of the type not attended to or filtered out (reference frame) by the receivers, whereas mimetic organisms specialize in producing information (signals) of the type sought out by and of interest to a receiver. Mimicry is defined in terms of a system of three living organisms, model, mimic and operator (signal-receiver), in which the mimic gains in fitness by the operator identifying it with the model. Some advantages and applications of the definition are briefly discussed.