Aposematism Collection

Yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) in defensive posture showing warning colours, on dried soil with mud cracks, Lower Saxony, Germany. August

Granular poison frog (Oophaga granulifera) resting on leaf at night, Uvita, Costa Rica

Blessed poison frog (Ranitomeya benedicta) male, carrying tadpoles on its back, transporting them to water, Yurimaguas, Alto Amazonas, Peru

Imitating poison frog (Ranitomeya imitator) resting on leaf, Tarapoto, Peru. Cropped

Lionfish (Pterois volitans) patrolling the edge of Suzie's Bommie, a healthy reef and popular dive site accessible from Lololata Island Resort near Port Moresby, Coral Sea, Papua New Guinea

Wasp (Family Vespidae). This is one over 4, 000 species of social wasp. Social wasps are distinguished from solitary wasps by the resting position of their wings

Velvet mite, SEM C016 / 9092
Velvet mite. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head of a velvet mite (Trombidium holosericeum). This bright red arachnid is one of the largest mites found in northern temperate

Leucozona lucorum L. hoverfly
Adult female Hover fly (Diptera: family Syrphidae) feeding on clover flowers. Hoverflies resemble bees and wasps. Most adult hoverflies feed on nectar and pollen

Bush cricket threat display
Threat display of a female bush cricket (Vestria sp.). This species is poisonous as indicated by its warning colours. This warning is known as aposematism

Common wasp feeding on a flower
Common wasp. Close-up of a common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) feeding on nectar from bramble (Rubus sp.) flower. Photographed in August

Mutated eastern newt. Eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) with a deformed left hind leg and an extra hind leg (upper right)

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"Aposematism: Nature's Colorful Warning Signs" In the enchanting rainforests of Costa Rica, a Granular poison frog (Oophaga granulifera) rests on a leaf at night. Its vibrant hues serve as an unmistakable warning to predators - stay away. Meanwhile, in the lush landscapes of Peru, a Blessed poison frog (Ranitomeya benedicta) proudly carries tadpoles on its back, carefully transporting them to water. This fearless father displays his striking colors as a bold statement against potential threats. Not far away, an Imitating poison frog (Ranitomeya imitator) finds solace on a leaf in Tarapoto. With its cropped image showcasing intricate patterns and vivid shades, this tiny amphibian mimics the appearance of toxic species for protection. Venturing beyond the realm of frogs, we encounter a Yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) assuming a defensive posture that reveals its warning colors. This brave creature boldly announces its unpalatability through vibrant markings and stands tall against any potential adversaries. Diving into the depths of Papua New Guinea's Coral Sea, we witness the majestic Lionfish (Pterois volitans). Patrolling Suzie's Bommie reef near Lololata Island Resort with grace and elegance, this venomous beauty flaunts flamboyant stripes as nature's way of saying "approach with caution. " Back on land in Europe’s woodlands resides Clytus arietis - the Wasp beetle. Sporting black and yellow bands reminiscent of its stinging namesake, it cleverly deters predators by capitalizing on their instinctual aversion towards wasps. Speaking of wasps themselves - these buzzing insects are notorious for their painful sting but also boast aposematic coloration that warns others to keep their distance while they go about pollinating flowers or scavenging for food.