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Related Experiment Videos

Hearing in hooktip moths (Drepanidae: Lepidoptera).

Annemarie Surlykke1, Jayne E Yack, Andrew J Spence

  • 1Center for Sound Communication, Institute of Biology, Southern University of Denmark, Odense, Denmark. ams@biology.sdu.dk

The Journal of Experimental Biology
|June 24, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Hooktip moths possess unique abdominal ears with an internal tympanal membrane, enabling ultrasonic hearing for bat detection. This study reveals novel anatomical structures and physiological responses in Drepanoidea hearing.

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Area of Science:

  • Zoology
  • Bioacoustics
  • Insect Physiology

Background:

  • Many insects possess auditory organs for predator detection.
  • The auditory system of hooktip moths (Drepanoidea) has not been previously characterized.
  • Understanding insect hearing provides insights into evolutionary adaptations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anatomical and physiological basis of hearing in hooktip moths.
  • To describe the unique tympanal ear structure in Drepanoidea.
  • To determine the functional range and characteristics of their auditory system.

Main Methods:

  • Anatomical examination of abdominal ears in Drepana arcuata and Watsonalla uncinula.
  • Physiological recordings to assess auditory sensilla response to sound.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Development of a biophysical model for the tympanal ear.

    • Main Results:

    • Hooktip moths have structurally unique abdominal ears with an internal tympanal membrane and embedded auditory sensilla.
    • The ears are tuned to ultrasonic frequencies (30-65 kHz), with optimal sensitivity at 40 kHz (52 dB SPL).
    • Two distinct sensory cells respond to sound, suggesting a mechanism for bat detection.

    Conclusions:

    • The unique tympanal ear morphology in hooktip moths supports ultrasonic hearing.
    • Hearing in Drepanoidea likely serves primarily for detecting bats.
    • The study provides a biophysical model for this novel auditory system.