The colors of the snake species Oxyrhopus petola, here on the picture, look like the pattern of the coral snake (Micrurus nigrocinctus). However, the first one is totally harmless to humans whereas the second one has a potent and dangerous venom. According to Bates theory, some inoffensive species mimic the colors and the morphology of dangerous others to avoid being annoyed and to stir up distrust among predators. This defensive mimicry is named Batesian mimicry.