High acoustic diversity and behavioral complexity of katydids in the Mesozoic soundscape.

ABSTRACT: Acoustic communication has played a key role in the evolution of a wide variety of vertebrates and insects. However, the reconstruction of ancient acoustic signals is challenging due to the extreme rarity of fossilized organs. Here, we report the earliest tympanal ears and sound-producing system (stridulatory apparatus) found in exceptionally preserved Mesozoic katydids. We present a database of the stridulatory apparatus and wing morphology of Mesozoic katydids and further calculate their probable singing frequencies and analyze the evolution of their acoustic communication. Our suite of analyses demonstrates that katydids evolved complex acoustic communication including mating signals, intermale communication, and directional hearing, at least by the Middle Jurassic. Additionally, katydi

SUBMITTER: Xu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9907137 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature