Of course, it does not actually mimic a virus, but it can mimic scary poisonous creatures like a lion fish or a sea snake. Mimicry is not really new in nature, like when a fly has evolved to look like a bee, but this octopus can choose to suddenly mimic something, and then immediately change to something else. It is so very cool.

Learn more about this funny creature from National Geographic, and take a look at photos of their actual mimicking here. I also recommend looking it up on YouTube, there are many videos of them!

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National Geographic “Mimic Octopus” https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/m/mimic-octopus/ last accessed 6. february 2021

Alger “The Mimic Octopus: Master of Disguise” https://www.nature.com/scitable/blog/accumulating-glitches/the_mimic_octopus_master_of/ published 28. october 2013, last accessed 6. february 2021