Neuroethology of Insect Hearing and Vibratory Communication

昆虫听觉和振动交流的神经行为学

• 批准号: RGPIN-2020-07056
• 负责人: Yack, Jayne
• 金额: $ 4.01万
• 依托单位: Carleton University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2022
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2022-01-01 至 2023-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=745954
• 关键词: Neuroethology; Insect; Hearing; Vibratory; Communication

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.

在我的卡尔顿大学的神经障碍和生物声学设施中，我们研究了昆虫的声学感官“世界”。昆虫具有惊人的感觉器官多样性，这些感觉器官检测声音和振动远远超出了人类的感觉能力。我们采用专门的方法来利用这些通信渠道并确定新颖的感觉器官。该NSERC资助的计划支持了最前沿，国际公认的发现，包括夜间蝴蝶中的超敏感耳朵，毛毛虫中的声学“说唱战”以及earths中的振动介导的逃逸。该提案着重于蝴蝶，毛毛虫和树皮甲虫中的声学交流。蝴蝶是研究动物行为，保护和气候变化的重要模型。尽管已经研究了他们的视觉和化学感觉系统，但对他们的听力几乎没有理解。我们发现许多蝴蝶的翅膀上有耳朵。现在，我们将解决一个关键问题：“蝴蝶为什么要耳朵？”我们将通过检测攻击捕食者的声音（例如鸟类飞行）或窃听捕食者的调用来检验，即耳朵充当“捕食者探测器”的假设。我们还将研究EAR如何专门检测和定位与生物学相关的声音。这项研究将为蝴蝶和其他昆虫的感觉世界提供新的见解。毛毛虫对加拿大具有重要的生态和经济意义，但是，关于这些昆虫如何与环境相互作用的基本问题仍未得到解答。我们对毛毛虫的声学通信进行了开创性的研究，展示了如何使用声学信号和提示来避免捕食者，检测天气变化并进行交流。现在，我们将研究毛毛虫如何感知空气和实心振动，以及用于形成和维护社会群体的机制。这项研究将扩大我们对所有幼虫昆虫的通信系统的见解，包括蜜蜂，苍蝇和甲虫。树皮甲虫，包括山松木和榆树甲虫，对加拿大森林构成了重大威胁。我们发现许多物种在树皮上和下方进行了声学相互作用。我们将在成年人和少年中对声学信号的功能进行测试假设，并旨在发现其声学传感器。这项研究将促进我们对森林害虫的声学交流的了解。 昆虫传播的研究有助于动物行为，神经科学，昆虫学和环境科学领域。实际应用包括开发微型声学传感器的灵感以及害虫管理和保护实践的策略。重要的是，这项研究将为HQP提供专门的培训，为他们为林业，农业昆虫学，工程，教育以及环境与健康科学的职业做好准备。