What to know

• Tobacco hornworm caterpillars can hear and detect predators despite having no visible ears, using supersensitive body hairs instead.
• Researchers spent a year testing caterpillars in an anechoic chamber to map their vibration and sound sensitivity thresholds.
• The findings could unlock how insects perceive sound and potentially lead to cheaper, more sensitive microphone technology.

“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.”

Binghamton University research team, Research team · The Conversation

Binghamton University research team Research team studying caterpillar hearing