| Title: | Evidence for short-range sonic communication in lymantriine moths |
| Author(s): | Rowland E; Schaefer PW; Belton P; Gries G; |
| Address: | "Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada" |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2010.11.017 |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 1879-1611 (Electronic) 0022-1910 (Linking) |
| Abstract: | "Sexual communication of nun moth, Lymantria monacha (L.), pink gypsy moth, Lymantria mathura Moore, and fumida tussock moth, Lymantria fumida Butler (all Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Lymantriinae), is known to be mediated by pheromones. We now show that males are attracted by the sounds of conspecific females over short distances and that wing fanning male and female L. monacha, L. mathura and L. fumida produce species- and sex-specific wing beat and associated click sounds that could contribute to reproductive isolation. Evidence for short-range communication in these lymantriines includes (i) scanning electron micrographs revealing metathoracic tympanate ears, (ii) laser interferometry showing particular sensitivity of tympana tuned to frequency components of sound signals from conspecifics, and (iii) phonotaxis of male L. monacha and L. fumida to speakers playing back sound signals from conspecific females. We conclude that tympanate ears of these moths have evolved in response not only to bat predation, but also for short-range mate finding and possibly recognition" |
| Keywords: | "Animal Communication Animals Auditory Perception Ear/anatomy & histology/physiology Female Hearing Male Microscopy, Electron, Scanning Moths/*anatomy & histology/*physiology Sexual Behavior, Animal Species Specificity Wings, Animal/physiology;" |
| Notes: | "MedlineRowland, E Schaefer, P W Belton, P Gries, G eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't England 2010/12/01 J Insect Physiol. 2011 Feb; 57(2):292-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2010.11.017. Epub 2010 Nov 27" |
