Scientists Put Caterpillars in an Ultraquiet Chamber to Learn How They Hear Without Ears
Biologists and engineers are studying tobacco hornworm caterpillars in anechoic chambers to understand how they detect predators without ears. The research suggests the insects use sensitive body hairs to perceive vibrations, which could inspire new, cost-effective microphone technology.
Why it matters
Understanding biological sensory mechanisms can lead to significant advancements in acoustic engineering and sensor technology.
Tobacco hornworm caterpillars don’t look like they have ears, and yet they’re able to sense predators such as wasps. How does the caterpillar know a wasp is approaching?
Scientists do not fully understand how this caterpillar’s senses work, but we are part of a team of biologists and engineers who want to figure it out. Our ongoing research suggests that tobacco hornworms can hear using tiny, supersensitive hairs on their body.
Understanding the intricate biological mechanisms that allow this organism to perceive and interact with its environment would help solve a mystery of the natural world. It could also help scientists design new, cheaper microphone technology.
Because the hornworms’ hairs are so sensitive, we have to study them in complete silence. And where better to study hearing than in the complete silence of an anechoic chamber?
What Happens in the Anechoic Chamber
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