Researchers study how hornworm caterpillars detect sound with specialized body hairs

The short version

• Experiments in an anechoic chamber indicate tobacco hornworm caterpillars detect airborne sounds rather than solely physical vibrations.[Wired]
• Removing specific body hairs significantly reduced the caterpillars' defensive responses across multiple sound frequencies.[Wired]
• The research team has not yet published its findings in a scientific journal as testing continues.[Wired]

Key facts

• Ongoing research suggests tobacco hornworm caterpillars can hear using tiny, supersensitive body hairs.[Wired]
• Researchers conducted daily vibration tests on caterpillars atop a platform in an anechoic chamber over a full year.[Wired]
• Accelerometers verified that caterpillars reacted to airborne sounds below the threshold required to provoke a response from direct platform vibrations.[Wired]
• Plucking hairs from the caterpillars led to substantial decreases in their defensive reactions across various sound frequencies.[Wired]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Scientists Put Caterpillars in an Ultraquiet Chamber to Learn How They Hear Without EarsWired metered