Hawkmoths have been
shown capable of producing ultrasound as a defence against bats. This on its
own isn’t unique, what is unique is the source of that ultrasound – their genitals.
Have you ever casually glanced down at your genitals and
wished that they had more functions? Well if you have this story might make you
pretty envious. That’s because recent evidence has suggested that Hawkmoths
(found mainly in the tropics) are capable of using their genitals to produce a
loud beam of ultrasound.
Whilst I wish there wasn’t any purpose to this, there
unfortunately is.
For millions of years, bats and moths have been competing
against each other in an epic battle against one another. Each have been
adapting and evolving in an attempt to outdo the other, and this genital sonic
blast seems to be just the latest in a long list of adaptations.
Whilst the purpose of this behaviour hasn’t been fully
confirmed, it was observed that the moths produced this ultrasonic sound
whenever bats approached. It can therefore be assumed that the hawkmoth’s
ultrasound either gives a warning to the bats to stay away, or is capable of
jamming the sonar that the bats use to visualise their environment, thus
preventing the bats from ‘seeing’ them.
This is a great little discovery, and just goes to show how
far evolution can push a species, and the methods that they use to defend
themselves.
If you’ve like to know more about how prey and predator both
evolve alongside each other, then read about the Red Queen Hypothesis here.
Also, just in case any of you have ever played Pokemon, yes,
one of venomoths moves was supersonic.
Maybe we should look to Pokemon for more future discoveries about animals?
What do you think about this discovery? Write below with
your comments or questions and sign up for the mailing list at the top right of
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