 |
|
WFU study finds that moths mimic sounds to survive
May 31, 2007In a night sky filled with hungry bats, good-tasting moths increase their chances of survival by mimicking the sounds of their bad-tasting cousins, according to a new Wake Forest University study.
To be published in the May 29 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study is the first to definitively show how an animal species uses acoustic mimicry as a defensive strategy.
The research was conducted by Jesse Barber, a doctoral student in biology at Wake Forest. William E. Conner, professor of biology at Wake Forest, co-authored the study.
In response to the sonar that bats use to locate prey, the tiger moths make ultrasonic clicks of their own. They broadcast the clicks from a paired set of structures called "tymbals." Many species of tiger moth use the tymbals to make specific sounds that warn the bat of their bad taste. Other species make sounds that closely mimic those high-frequency sounds.
"We found that the bats do not eat the good-tasting moths that make the similar sounds," said Barber, who has worked on this research for four years.
In the study, other types of moths that were similar in size to the sound-emitting moths, but did not make sounds, were gobbled up by the bats.
The researcher trained free-flying bats to hunt moths in view of two high-speed infrared video cameras to record predator-prey interactions that occur in fractions of a second. He also recorded the sounds emitted from each moth, as well as the sounds made by the bats.
All the bats quickly learned to avoid the noxious moths first offered to them, associating the warning sounds with bad taste. They then avoided a second sound-producing species even though it was not chemically protected. This is similar to the way birds avoid butterflies that look like the bad-tasting Monarch.
The two species of bats used were big brown bats and red bats. Barber raised the bats in the lab so behavior learned in the wild would not influence the results of the experiment.
Barber said anecdotal observations have suggested that animals such as snakes, owls and bees use acoustic mimicry. This study takes the next step and provides the definitive experimental evidence for how mimicking sounds helps an animal survive.
Wake Forest University
In response to the sonar that bats use to locate prey, the tiger moths make ultrasonic clicks of their own. They broadcast the clicks from a paired set of structures called "tymbals." Many species of tiger moth use the tymbals to make specific sounds that warn the bat of their bad taste. Other species make sounds that closely mimic those high-frequency sounds.
"We found that the bats do not eat the good-tasting moths that make the similar sounds," said Barber, who has worked on this research for four years.
In the study, other types of moths that were similar in size to the sound-emitting moths, but did not make sounds, were gobbled up by the bats.
The researcher trained free-flying bats to hunt moths in view of two high-speed infrared video cameras to record predator-prey interactions that occur in fractions of a second. He also recorded the sounds emitted from each moth, as well as the sounds made by the bats.
All the bats quickly learned to avoid the noxious moths first offered to them, associating the warning sounds with bad taste. They then avoided a second sound-producing species even though it was not chemically protected. This is similar to the way birds avoid butterflies that look like the bad-tasting Monarch.
The two species of bats used were big brown bats and red bats. Barber raised the bats in the lab so behavior learned in the wild would not influence the results of the experiment.
Barber said anecdotal observations have suggested that animals such as snakes, owls and bees use acoustic mimicry. This study takes the next step and provides the definitive experimental evidence for how mimicking sounds helps an animal survive.
Wake Forest University
Moths Current Events and Moths News RSSDNA barcodes: Creative new uses span health, fraud, smuggling, history, more
The scientific ability to quickly and accurately identify species through DNA "barcoding" is being embraced and applied by a growing legion of global authorities - from medical and agricultural researchers to police and customs authorities to palaeontologists and others.
How the 100th protein structure solved at Diamond impacts our understanding of how insects smell
New research announced today, Wednesday 30th September, by a team of leading scientists working with the UK's national Synchrotron, Diamond Light Source, could have a significant impact on the development and refinement of new eco-friendly pest control methods for worldwide agriculture.
Using insects to test for drug safety
Insects, such as some moths and fruit flies, react to microbial infection in the same way as mammals and so can be used to test the efficiency of new drugs, thereby reducing the need for animal testing.
Moths cloaked in color
Travelers to the neotropics-the tropical lands of the Americas-might be forgiven for thinking that all of the colorful insects flittering over sunny puddles or among dense forest understory are butterflies.
Study finds higher pathogen loads in collapsed honeybee colonies
Honeybees in colonies affected by colony collapse disorder (CCD) have higher levels of pathogens and are co-infected with a greater number of pathogens than their non-CCD counterparts, but no individual pathogen can be singled out as the cause of CCD.
Straighten up and fly right: Moths benefit more from flexible wings than rigid
Most scientists who create models trying to understand the mechanics and aerodynamics of insect flight have assumed that insect wings are relatively rigid as they flap.
Biologist discovers pink-winged moth in Chiracahua Mountains
University of Arizona biologist Bruce Walsh has identified a new species of moth in southern Arizona. Normally, this is not a big deal.
How moths key into the scent of a flower
Moths need just the essence of a flower's scent to identify it, according to new research from The University of Arizona in Tucson.
The global impact of climate change on biodiversity
When three undergraduates set off on an expedition in 1965 to trap moths on Mount Kinabalu in Borneo, little did they realise that they were establishing the groundwork for a study of the impacts of climate change.
Hind wings help butterflies make swift turns to evade predators, study finds
New tires allow race cars to take tight turns at high speeds. Hind wings give moths and butterflies similar advantages: They are not necessary for basic flight but help these creatures take tight turns to evade predators.
More Moths Current Events and Moths News Articles
 |
Safer Brand 7270 Clothes Moth Alert Trap by Safer Trap moths with the clothes moth traps and have no more moth ball odor on clothes!< h2> This product is not just a repellent it actually traps moths. Simply hang clothes moth traps at eye level in closets and rooms to be protected. < h2> Clothes moth alerts help protect your clothes and furnishings from costly moth damage. Pay special attention to items containing wool, cashmere or other animal hair. Use one or two traps for an average size room. Replace traps after 12 weeks. |
 |
Moth Away Sachets - Nontoxic - 24 Pack (White) (24 Sachets) by Richards Homewares, Inc A refreshing way to keep your clothes and woolens safe from moths and mustiness! Moth Away Sachets are an environmentally friendly moth repellent. They contain no toxic chemicals or artificial perfumes. And there's no unpleasant "mothball odor" - these all-natural herbal sachets freshen your closets and drawers with a minty scent, while protecting fabrics from moth damage. Mothaway packets look like teabags - tuck them into your sweater drawer, linen closet, wardrobe, cabinets, storage chests, etc. Keeps clothing, blankets, and linens moth-free and smelling fresh for 3-4 months. Recommended use: 2 sachets per cubic foot in enclosed areas (not for use in open-air storage). Comes in a pack of 24 sachets. . |
 |
Food & Pantry Moth Traps for Indian Meal Moths, Flour Moths, Grain Moths, Bird Seed Moths and More! 2 Traps Per Package ! Catchmaster by CATCHMASTER Food & Pantry Moth Traps . 2 Traps and 2 Lures For Indian Meal Moth, Flour Moth,And Many Other Food Infesting Moths. Non-Toxic . Disposable . Ready To Use. Ready To Use. Complete Instructions Included In English, Spanish and French. Directions: 1. Remove release liner from trap. 2. Remove one of the catchmaster lures from the pheromone protective package. 3. Insert Catchmaster lure as indicated on the glue trap. 4. Fold the trap at the 2 creases and make it form a tent. 5. Place the trap on shelves or in pantry where food infesting moths are noted. |
 |
Discovering Moths: Nighttime Jewels in Your Own Backyard by John Himmelman (Author) In lively, accessible prose, he explains the intricacy of moths' life cycle, their importance in nature, and how just a tiny handful of the many moth species are truly pests to humans. He tells how to attract moths with lights and bait, when and where to observe them, and how best to photograph these tiny subjects. Entertaining personal anecdotes and short profiles of some of the country's foremost mothers add human interest. |
 |
Moth Vellum by Moth Vellum Fans of 70's Rock greats Yes, Genesis, Pink Floyd and of newer acts like Mars Volta, Porcupine Tree and Sigur Ros alike will enjoy newcomer Moth Vellum's larger-than-life progressive rock sound. Moth Vellum's sweeping melodies, blistering guitar and keyboard solos harken back to the days when arena rock ruled. |
 |
Pantry Moth Traps - Set of Two by Pro Pest Pro-Pest Pheronet Traps for Pantry Pests are our our Pheronet Traps conveniently packaged in a 2 pack. The pheromones in Pro-Pest Pantry Traps will attract Indian Meal Moth, Almond, Raisin, Tobacco, and Mediterranean Flour Moths and Cigarette Beetles. Each package contains 2 traps. Take one or two traps out of the plastic sleeve, fold trap into a triangular trap. Since pheromones are pre-loaded in the glue, it is ready to use! Traps can be hung or can be placed on a shelf. If you smoke wash your hands before handling any trap as the nicotine could contaminate the trap causing the pests to avoid the trap rather than pursue it! |
 |
Butterflies & Moths (Smithsonian Handbooks) by David A. Carter (Author) |
 |
Springstar BioCare Flour & Pantry Moth Trap #S203 by Springstar * Two pre-assembled non toxic traps captures the moths in your home that are contaminating flour, food, birdseed, and pet food * Lure attracts flour moths, meal moths, seed moths and most other food moths * Each trap will work up to three months under normal conditions * Traps are disposable and extremely effective * completely safe around food products * 2 per pack * Carded |
 |
Dandelion Gum by Black Moth Super Rainbow |
 |
Cedar Fresh Home 17824 24 count Cedar Moth Balls by CEDAR FRESH HOME PRODUCTS 24 Count, 7/8" Diameter, Cedar Moth Balls, Non Toxic Mothball Alternative. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |