Evidence for short-range sonic communication in lymantriine moths |
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Authors: | Rowland E Schaefer P W Belton P Gries G |
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Institution: | a Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5A 1S6 b United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Laboratory, Newark, DE 19713, USA |
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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. |
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Keywords: | Lymantria monacha Lymantria fumida Lymantria mathura Lepidoptera Noctuidae Lymantriinae Acoustic communication Short range orientation behaviour Acoustic signals Tympanate ear Laser interferometry |
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