What do we call the phenomenon when a harmless organism resembles a more dangerous organism?

The phenomenon where a harmless organism resembles a more dangerous organism is known as mimicry. This adaptation benefits the harmless organism by deterring potential predators that may avoid the more dangerous species. By mimicking the appearance, behaviors, or even sounds of a harmful organism, the harmless species can increase its chances of survival. For instance, many non-venomous snakes imitate the coloration of venomous counterparts to avoid being eaten.

In contrast, camouflage refers to the ability of an organism to blend into its environment, making it more difficult for predators to spot. Warning coloration, often seen in toxic species, involves bright colors that signal danger to potential predators instead of imitating another organism. Meanwhile, cryptic coloration is a form of camouflage that helps an organism hide in plain sight, through patterns or colors that resemble the background environment. Each of these terms describes different survival strategies found in nature, but mimicry specifically refers to the imitation of a dangerous organism to gain protection from predators.