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Composite correlated random walks have been posited as a strong alternative to Levy walks as models of multi-scale forager movement patterns. Here it is shown that if plastic then intrinsic composite correlated random walks will, under selection pressures, evolve to resemble optimal Levy walks when foraging is non-destructive. The fittest composite correlated random walkers are found to be those that come closest to being optimal Levy walkers. This may explain why such a diverse range of foragers have movement patterns that can be approximated by optimal Levy walks and shows that the levy-flight foraging’ hypothesis has a broad hinterland. The new findings are consistent with recent observations of mussels Mytilus edulis and the Australian desert ant Melophorus bagoti which suggest that animals approximate a Levy walk by adopting an intrinsic composite movement strategy with different modes. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.