Greater Wax Moth Has Highest Recorded Frequency Sensitivity of Any Animal
Posted on May 8, 2013
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have discovered that the greater wax moth has the highest recorded frequency sensitivity of any animal. It is capable of sensing sound frequencies of up to 300kHz. The softest sounds humans can hear are around 20kHz. Dolphins can hear sound frequencies of up to around 160kHz. A chart here shows some ranges for other animals. The research was conducted at at the University of Strathclyde's Centre for Ultrasonic Engineering.
Dr. James Windmill, who has led the research at Strathclyde, said in a statement, "We are extremely surprised to find that the moth is capable of hearing sound frequencies at this level and we hope to use the findings to better understand air-coupled ultrasound. The use of ultrasound in air is extremely difficult as such high frequency signals are quickly weakened in air. Other animals such as bats are known to use ultrasound to communicate and now it is clear that moths are capable of even more advanced use of sound."
Dr. Windmill also said, "It's not entirely clear how the moths have developed to be able to hear at such a high frequency, but it is possible that they have had to improve the communication between each other to avoid capture from their natural predator - the bat - which use similar sounds."
The research was published here in the journal Biology Letters.