Bats mimic hymenopteran insect sounds to deter predators.

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Bioacoustics
• Animal behavior

Background:

• Mimicry, the evolution of similar traits between species, typically deters predators.
• Visual mimicry is well-documented, but acoustic mimicry is less understood.
• Predation avoidance is a primary driver for mimicry evolution.

Observation:

• The greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) emits distress calls when handled.
• These calls were observed to resemble the sounds of stinging bees or wasps.
• This acoustic convergence suggests a defensive strategy.

Findings:

• This study presents the first documented case of interspecific acoustic mimicry in a mammal.
• Greater mouse-eared bats' distress calls imitate insect sounds to deter avian predators.
• The mimicry functions to discourage predators from attacking or consuming the bats.

Implications:

• Acoustic mimicry can evolve as a sophisticated anti-predator defense in mammals.
• This finding expands our understanding of mimicry beyond the visual spectrum.
• Further research can explore the prevalence and mechanisms of acoustic mimicry in other species.