We thank the Danum Valley Conservation Area and Field Centre in Bornean Malaysia the Sabah Biodiversity Council Dr. While these data represent an early understanding of acoustic aposematism and mimicry across this megadiverse insect order, it is likely that ultrasonically signaling moths comprise one of the largest mimicry complexes on earth.
To explore the possible organization of anti-bat warning sounds into acoustic mimicry rings, we intensively studied a community of moths in Ecuador and, using machine-learning approaches, found five distinct acoustic clusters. Palatability data indicate that jamming and warning are not mutually exclusive strategies. In fact, we find preliminary evidence of independent origins of sonar jamming in at least six subfamilies. However, some moths use high-duty-cycle ultrasound capable of jamming bat sonar. Based on acoustic analysis of ultrasonic emissions and palatability experiments with bats, it seems that acoustic warning and mimicry are the raison d'être for sound production in most moths. We tested 252 genera, spanning most families of large-bodied moths, and document anti-bat ultrasound production in 52 genera, with eight subfamily origins described. Here, we report results from a long-term study across the globe, assaying moth response to playback of bat echolocation.
Some moths produce ultrasonic sounds to warn bats of noxious taste or to mimic unpalatable models. Warning signals are well known in the visual system, but rare in other modalities.
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