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The cyclopean ear: a new sense for the praying mantis
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 14, 1986
Summary
Praying mantises, previously thought deaf, have a specialized ultrasound hearing sense. This acoustic ability allows them to detect bat echolocation and alter flight paths, enhancing survival.
Area of Science:
- * Bioacoustics
- * Insect sensory biology
- * Behavioral ecology
Background:
- * Insects often possess auditory systems for predator detection.
- * Praying mantises were traditionally considered deaf.
- * Bat echolocation poses a threat to flying insects.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the auditory capabilities of praying mantises.
- * To characterize the frequency range and sensitivity of mantis hearing.
- * To explore the functional significance of acoustic sensing in mantises.
Main Methods:
- * Electrophysiological recordings of the mantis auditory system.
- * Stimulation with ultrasonic pulses across various frequencies and intensities.
- * Behavioral observation of flight responses to acoustic stimuli.
Main Results:
- * Mantis auditory system responds to ultrasound (25–45 kHz) with thresholds of 55–60 dB.
- * Mantises possess a single, ventrally located ear, unlike other insects.
- * Some mantis species exhibit evasive flight maneuvers when exposed to ultrasound.
Conclusions:
- * Praying mantises possess a functional ultrasound auditory system.
- * This hearing ability likely serves as an anti-bat defense mechanism.
- * The unique ear structure warrants further investigation.