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.

在卡尔顿大学的神经行为学和生物声学研究所，我们研究昆虫的听觉“世界”。昆虫有着惊人的感觉器官，它们能探测到远远超出人类感官能力的声音和振动。我们采用专门的方法来挖掘这些沟通渠道并识别新的感觉器官。这个NSERC资助的项目支持了最前沿的、国际公认的发现，包括夜行蝴蝶的超声敏感耳朵、毛毛虫的声“说唱战斗”，以及蚯蚓的振动介导逃逸。本提案的重点是蝴蝶，毛毛虫和树皮甲虫的声学通信。蝴蝶是研究动物行为、保护和气候变化的重要模型。虽然人们研究了它们的视觉和化学感觉系统，但对它们的听觉却知之甚少。我们发现许多蝴蝶的翅膀上都有耳朵。现在我们将讨论一个关键问题：“为什么蝴蝶有耳朵？”我们将测试耳朵作为“捕食者探测器”的假设，要么通过探测攻击捕食者的声音（例如鸟的飞行），要么偷听捕食者的叫声。我们还将研究耳朵是如何专门检测和定位生物相关声音的。这项研究将为了解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基本问题仍然没有答案。我们对毛毛虫的声音交流进行了开创性的研究，展示了声音信号和线索是如何用来躲避捕食者、探测天气变化和交流的。我们现在将研究毛毛虫是如何感知空气和固体振动的，以及它们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昆虫幼虫的交流系统的认识。树皮甲虫，包括山松和榆树甲虫，对加拿大的森林造成了重大威胁。我们发现许多物种在树皮上和树皮下进行声音相互作用。我们将测试声信号在成年和幼鱼中的功能假设，并旨在发现它们的声传感器。这一研究将促进我们对森林害虫声通信的认识。昆虫声通信的研究对动物行为学、神经科学、昆虫学和环境科学等领域有重要贡献。实际应用包括开发微型声学传感器的灵感，以及有害生物管理和保护措施的策略。重要的是，这项研究将为HQP提供专业培训，为他们在林业、农业昆虫学、工程、教育和环境与健康科学等领域的职业生涯做好准备。