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Bats mimic hymenopteran insect sounds to deter predators.

Leonardo Ancillotto1, Donatella Pafundi2, Federico Cappa3

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Bats use bee sounds to deter predators. The greater mouse-eared bat mimics stinging insects when handled, a novel form of acoustic mimicry in mammals.

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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.