Projects per year
Abstract
An evolutionary war is being played out between the bat, which uses ultrasonic calls to locate insect prey, and the moth, which uses microscale ears to listen for the approaching bat. While the highest known frequency of bat echolocation calls is 212 kHz, the upper limit of moth hearing is considered much lower. Here, we show that the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella, is capable of hearing ultrasonic frequencies approaching 300 kHz; the highest frequency sensitivity of any animal. With auditory frequency sensitivity that is unprecedented in the animal kingdom, the greater wax moth is ready and armed for any echolocation call adaptations made by the bat in the on-going bat–moth evolutionary war.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 20130241 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Biology Letters |
Volume | 9 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 8 May 2013 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 23 Aug 2013 |
Keywords
- bioacoustics
- hearing
- laser Doppler vibrometry
- electrophysiology
- tympanal organ
- Galleria mellonella
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Extremely high frequency sensitivity in a 'simple' ear'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 4 Finished
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The Mechanics of Insect Audition: Characterisation, Modelling and Application
BBSRC (Biotech & Biological Sciences Research Council)
26/07/10 → 25/07/13
Project: Research
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ULTRASONIC RECEPTION IN INSECT EARS - CREATING A NEW GENERATION OF ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCERS
6/04/09 → 31/03/10
Project: Research
Activities
- 2 Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation
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Sensor of the Week: The mighty moth
James Windmill (Interviewee)
3 Apr 2018Activity: Public Engagement and Other Activities › Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation
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Live TV interview for BBC World Service 'Global' programme
James Windmill (Interviewee)
9 May 2013Activity: Public Engagement and Other Activities › Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation