Mimicry

I have always wondered about the function of blue camouflage gear often worn by riot police and paramilitary units. To me these uniforms seem to be more like a form of aposematism, the intent to become noticeable, which is the antithesis of natural camouflage. To be specific, this coloration could be a case of Müllerian mimicry. Instead of concealing the animal, this coloration pattern conveys a clear message “I’m not just a cop... I’m totally badass”. A brief literature search shows that constraints on camouflage may also have favored the evolution of antipredator warning signals on Lepidoptera (Merilaita & Tullberg, 2005, Evolution 59:38-45).