Hawkmoths have an interesting defense against their predators, the winged insects interfere with bat's echolocation with sonic pulses created in their genitals.
The moths use the technique to mess with bat's ability to locate objects, according to a University of Florida press release.
"This is just the first step toward understanding a really interesting system," Study co-author Akito Kawahara said. "Echolocation research has been focused on porpoises, whales and dolphins. We know some insects produce the sounds, but this discovery in an unrelated animal making ultrasound, potentially to jam the echolocation of bats, is exciting."
Scientists used high-energy lamps to attract and capture a number of the moths in the Malaysian jungle. The team played pre-recorded bat sounds and observed the insect's behavior.
Ultrasonic microphones were used to pick up the frequencies emitted by the moths, which were tethered inside a sound rig.
The research found at least three species of hawkmoths use the ultrasound techniques, females included.
The team believes the insects use their echolocation-jamming abilities not only to confuse their predators, but to alert other moths of the danger so they emit the ultrasound frequencies as well.
"We think hawkmoths are a primary food source for bats because none appear to be chemically defended, which is why they have evolved anti-bat ultrasound strategies," said Kawahara. "Hawkmoths have evolved different ways of avoiding bats - I can't even explain how amazing the system is, it is just fascinating."
Past research found another species, tigermoths, used a similar defense to confuse their predators. The insects create the ultrasound with a vibrating mechanism in their thorax as opposed to their genitals.
Hawkmoths are important for the environment, they are the sole pollinators of many plants. There are over 1,400 species of the insect, but the largest populations are found in Malaysia.
"We think hawkmoths are a primary food source for bats because none appear to be chemically defended, which is why they have evolved anti-bat ultrasound strategies," said Kawahara. "Hawkmoths have evolved different ways of avoiding bats - I can't even explain how amazing the system is, it is just fascinating."
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