Neuroethology of Insect Hearing and Vibratory Communication

在我在卡尔顿大学的神经行为学和生物声学设施中，我们研究昆虫的声觉“世界”。昆虫有令人惊叹的多样化的感官器官，可以探测声音和振动，远远超出人类的感官能力。我们使用专门的方法来挖掘这些交流渠道，并识别新的感官器官。这项由NSERC资助的项目支持了尖端的、国际公认的发现，包括夜间蝴蝶的超音速敏感耳朵、毛虫的声学“说唱战斗”，以及蚯蚓的振动中介逃逸。这项提议侧重于蝴蝶、毛虫和树皮甲虫的声音交流。蝴蝶是研究动物行为、保护和气候变化的重要模型。虽然人们对它们的视觉和化学感觉系统进行了研究，但对它们的听力却知之甚少。我们发现许多蝴蝶的翅膀上都长着耳朵。我们现在要回答一个关键问题：蝴蝶为什么有耳朵？我们将通过检测攻击捕食者(如飞鸟)的声音，或窃听捕食者的叫声，来检验耳朵作为“捕食者探测器”的功能这一假设。我们还将研究耳朵是如何专门检测和定位与生物相关的声音的。这项研究将为蝴蝶和其他昆虫的感官世界提供新的见解。毛毛虫对加拿大具有重要的生态和经济意义，然而，关于这些昆虫如何与环境相互作用的根本问题仍然没有得到回答。我们对毛虫的声音通信进行了开创性的研究，展示了如何使用声音信号和线索来躲避捕食者、探测天气变化和交流。我们现在将研究毛虫如何感知空气和固体传播的振动，以及用来形成和维持社会群体的机制。这项研究将扩大我们对包括蜜蜂、苍蝇和甲虫在内的所有幼虫的交流系统的洞察力。树皮甲虫，包括山松和榆树甲虫，对加拿大的森林构成了重大威胁。我们发现，许多物种在树皮上和树皮下进行声学相互作用。我们将在成人和青少年身上测试关于声音信号功能的假设，并旨在发现他们的声音传感器。这项研究将促进我们对森林有害生物声通信的了解。昆虫声通讯的研究有助于动物行为学、神经科学、昆虫学和环境科学等领域的研究。实际应用包括开发微型声学传感器的灵感，以及虫害管理和保护实践的战略。重要的是，这项研究将为HQP提供专门的培训，为他们在林业、农业昆虫学、工程学、教育以及环境与健康科学领域的职业生涯做好准备。

In my Neuroethology & Bioacoustics Facility at Carleton University we study the acoustic sensory `worlds' of insects. Insects have an amazing diversity of sensory organs that detect sounds and vibrations extending far beyond human sensory capabilities. We employ specialized methods to tap into these communication channels and identify novel sensory organs. This NSERC funded program has supported cutting edge, internationally recognized discoveries, including ultra-sound sensitive ears in nocturnal butterflies, acoustic `rap-battles' in caterpillars, and vibration-mediated escape in earthworms. This proposal focuses on acoustic communication in butterflies, caterpillars and bark beetles. BUTTERFLIES are important models for research on animal behaviour, conservation and climate change. While their visual and chemosensory systems have been studied, little is understood about their hearing. We discovered that many butterflies have ears on their wings. We will now address a key question: `Why do butterflies have ears?' We will test the hypothesis that ears function as `predator detectors', either by detecting sounds of an attacking predator (e.g. bird flight), or eavesdropping on predator calls. We will also investigate how ears are specialized to detect and localize biologically relevant sounds. This research will provide novel insights into the sensory worlds of butterflies and other insects. CATERPILLARS are of significant ecological and economic importance to Canada, yet, fundamental questions about how these insects interact with their environment remain unanswered. We conducted pioneering research on acoustic communication in caterpillars, showing how acoustic signals and cues are used to avoid predators, detect weather changes, and communicate. We will now investigate how caterpillars sense air- and solid-borne vibrations, and the mechanisms used to form and maintain social groups. This research will expand our insights into the communication systems of all larval insects, including those of honeybees, flies and beetles. BARK BEETLES, including the mountain pine and elm beetles, impose significant threats to Canadian forests. We discovered that many species engage in acoustic interactions on and beneath the tree bark. We will test hypotheses on the functions of acoustic signals in both the adults and juveniles, and aim to discover their acoustic sensors. This research will advance our knowledge of acoustic communication in forest pests. Research on insect acoustic communication contributes to the fields of animal behaviour, neuroscience, entomology and environmental science. Practical applications include inspiration for developing miniature acoustic sensors, and strategies for pest management and conservation practices. Importantly, this research will provide HQP with specialized training, preparing them for careers in Forestry, Agricultural Entomology, Engineering, Education, and Environmental and Health Sciences.