warning coloration

noun

Definition of warning coloration

: conspicuous markings or bright colors possessed by an animal that serve as a warning to potential predators that it is toxic or distasteful The vivid orange, red, black and white color patterns on the wings are a monarch's advertisement to potential predators. This warning coloration enables a bird such as a blue jay, which might eat one poisonous monarch and become ill, to recognize and avoid the butterfly by sight alone in the future.— Marcia Davis

Examples of warning coloration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The striking bright blues, yellows, and oranges of poison dart frogs are a classic example of warning coloration, sending a message to predators to stay away. Michael Allen, Science | AAAS, "How bright colors help these poison tree frogs hide from predators," 13 June 2018

First Known Use of warning coloration

1928, in the meaning defined above

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