Butterflies Have Ears - Really!

Butterflies Have Ears - Really!

 It was believed that butterflies were deaf until 1912, when butterfly ears were first discovered. (Hey! I'm NOT kidding!) In the past ten years or so, scientists started studying the tiny ears found at the base of the wings of several species of butterflies. (I'm thinking there is no room on their heads for ears because their eyes are so big :)

It has long been known that moths have ears that are sensitive to the ultrasound bats use to navigate and zero in on their prey. But more recently, it has been discovered that some butterflies have a more intricate hearing mechanism, that can distinguish between frequencies. It is a microscopic eardrum over an air-filled chamber, and it is thought that this gives them the ability to tell the difference between a bird singing, (no threat), and the flapping of a bird's wing, (time to go!).

There is also evidence that some species of butterflies, for example, the blue and white longwing, use sound to communicate with each other by making clicking noises.

I didn't make this stuff up. It's true!

Checkered Swallowtail

African White Spotted Kite

Atlas Moth - Atlas Moths are the largest moths in North America, with some females reaching wingspans of 12 inches. The shape of the wing tips resemble snakes, protecting the moth from predators. Because their cocoons are used to make a durable silk, they are also known as 'Silk Moths'.

Check out the antennae - Looks like a feather!

I don't know what this guy is, I just call him the "B-52 Bomber"