Some beetles have found a unique way to protect themselves from bats by mimicking toxic moths. In the dark of night, bats and insects engage in a battle of sound. Several insect groups have ears that can detect bat echolocation calls, causing them to flee. Moths have developed strategies like sound-absorbent wings and fuzz to evade bats. Others use ultrasonic trills from their genitals to confuse or startle bats. Recent studies have shown that tiger beetles, known for their speed and vibrant colors, also emit high-pitched clicks in response to bat ultrasound. Harlan Gough, a conservation entomologist, and his team conducted research to understand this behavior further.
The researchers collected 19 species of tiger beetles from southern Arizona and observed their reactions to simulated bat attacks in a controlled lab setting. They found that seven of these species, which are nocturnal fliers, responded by using their forewings to create high-pitched clicking noises. This unique defense mechanism could help them evade bat attacks effectively.
2024-05-14 18:01:00
Original article available at www.sciencenews.org