Study Finds Hawkmoths Generate Sonic Pulses Using Their Genitals
Posted on July 6, 2013
Researchers have discovered that hawkmoths can generate sonic pulses from their genitals. Researchers think this probably jams bats echolocation ability, which helps the hawkmoths remain hidden. A 2009 study found tiger moths also have the unique ability, but they produce ultrasound using tymbals, a vibrating membrane located on the thorax
Study co-author Akito Kawahara, assistant curator of Lepidoptera at the Florida Museum of Natural History on the UF campus, said in a statement, "This is just the first step toward understanding a really interesting system. Echolocation research has been focused on porpoises, whales and dolphins. We know some insects produce the sounds, but this discovery in an unrelated animal making ultrasound, potentially to jam the echolocation of bats, is exciting."
Kawahara's team used high-energy lamps to capture the hawkmoths in the jungle. Study co-author Jesse Barber's team from Boise State University played pre-recorded bat sounds to the insects and the researchers studied their behavior. The insects were tethered inside an enclosed sound rig containing an ultrasonic microphone and speaker connected to two laptop computers. Researchers then recorded the sounds the hawkmoths made in response to being touched and hearing the bats' echolocation sounds.
The research was published here in the journal, Biology Letters.