The sound signals of hawkmoths (Lepidoptera, sphingidae)

Zagorinsky, A. A.; Zhantiev, R. D.; Korsunovskaya, O. S.

doi:10.1134/s0013873812060012

Cited by 5 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…7 kHz. Zagorinsky et al (2012) confirmed the major findings but found much higher frequency peaks (14-17 kHz).…”

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 78%

“…Kitching (2003) and Zagorinsky et al (2012) recorded 'low amplitude noise-type rhythmic sounds' in Acherontia atropos males, however, without providing further information. Acherontia as well as only very few other species of the Sphingidae also generate squeaking sounds, i.e.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…short, sharp, shrill cries, unique among lepidopterans and insects in general. To the best of our knowledge, squeaking has so far been reported only in the African Pseudoclanis postica (Walker, 1856) and Pseudoclanis molitor (Rothschild and Jordan, 1912) (Nässig et al 1992), and in the Asian Langia zenzeroides (Moore, 1872) (Zagorinsky et al 2012). The precise mechanism of the sound production in these species is still unknown, but it might be similar as in representatives of Acherontia (Nässig et al 1992).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…1, Electronic supplementary material 1). Predators (including inexperienced humans) often will react with irritation and will even be frightened-the squeaks are an important causal component of such a reaction (Zagorinsky et al 2012). Hawkmoths, similar to other 'hot blooded' moths, are usually unable to escape immediately when disturbed because they must first heat up their flight muscles to ca.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The unique sound production of the Death’s-head hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos (Linnaeus, 1758)) revisited

Brehm

Fischer

Gorb

et al. 2015

Sci Nat

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When disturbed, adults of the Death's-head hawkmoth (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae: Acherontia atropos) produce short squeaks by drawing in and deflating air into and out of the pharynx as a defence mechanism. We took a new look at Prell's hypothesis of a two-phase mechanism by providing new insights into the functional morphology behind the pharyngeal sound production of this species. First, we compared the head anatomy of A. atropos with another sphingid species, Manduca sexta, by using micro-computed tomography (CT) and 3D reconstruction methods. Despite differences in feeding behaviour and capability of sound production in the two species, the musculature in the head is surprisingly similar. However, A. atropos has a much shorter proboscis and a modified epipharynx with a distinct sclerotised lobe projecting into the opening of the pharynx. Second, we observed the sound production in vivo with X-ray videography, mammography CT and high-speed videography. Third, we analysed acoustic pressure over time and spectral frequency composition of six A. atropos specimens, both intact and with a removed proboscis. Single squeaks of A. atropos last for ca. 200 ms and consist of an inflation phase, a short pause and a deflation phase. The inflation phase is characterised by a burst of ca. 50 pulses with decreasing pulse frequency and a major frequency peak at ca. 8 kHz, followed by harmonics ranging up to more than 60 kHz. The deflation phase is characterised by a less clear acoustic pattern, a lower amplitude and more pronounced peaks in the same frequency range. The removal of the proboscis resulted in a significantly shortened squeak, a lower acoustic pressure level and a slightly more limited frequency spectrum. We hypothesise that the uptake of viscous honey facilitated the evolution of an efficient valve at the opening of the pharynx (i.e. a modified epipharynx), and that sound production could relatively easily have evolved based on this morphological pre-adaptation.

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“…7 kHz. Zagorinsky et al (2012) confirmed the major findings but found much higher frequency peaks (14-17 kHz).…”

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 78%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

The unique sound production of the Death’s-head hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos (Linnaeus, 1758)) revisited

Brehm

Fischer

Gorb

et al. 2015

Sci Nat

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“…Death's head hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos ) Acherontia atropos is found throughout Africa and the adult moth is easily identified by the distinct skull design on its thorax (Hepburn and Radloff 1998;Picker et al 2004;Lawal and Banjo 2007;Zagorinsky et al 2012) (Figure 4d). They are known to invade honeybee colonies in search of honey (Moritz et al 1991;Kitching 2003).…”

Section: Lepidoptera (Moths)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Honeybee health in Africa—a review

Pirk¹,

Strauss²,

Yusuf³

et al. 2015

Apidologie

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-Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) pathogens and parasites and the negative effects thereof on honeybee populations remain an issue of public concern and the subject of active research. Africa with its high genetic diversity of honeybee sub-species and large wild population is also exposed to various factors responsible for colony losses in other parts of the world. Apart from the current American foulbrood epidemic in the Western Cape of South Africa, no large-scale colony losses have been reported elsewhere on the continent. We discuss the presence of pathogens, parasites, pests and predators of African honeybees as well as the threats they face in relation to habitat changes arising from the impact of increased human populations. In addition, we discuss current efforts aimed at protecting and promoting the health of African honeybees.honeybees / Africa / honeybee health / pathogens / parasites / pests / predators / habitat loss

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