Hawaiian fly evolves enhanced hearing to track crickets

A study from St. Olaf College and the University of Denver published in Current Biology found that Hawaiian parasitic fly evolved to eavesdrop on Pacific field cricket’s mating calls. The flies may have been introduced to the island by Polynesian settlers and European freighters.

This study found that in Hawaii, acoustic parasitic flies rapidly evolved more sensitive hearing across a variety of distinct sound frequencies in the recently evolved and rapidly changing cricket call songs. . This adaptation improves the ability of flies to find larval hosts and increases the chances of survival.

“It is important to understand how the sensory system of eavesdroppers evolves to reveal attractive ways in which animals can adapt to survive and thrive,” says St. Olaf’s Biology Associate. said Norman Lee, a professor and director and co-cooperative writer. of the Neuroscience Program. “Like flies that listen to cricket songs, eavesdroppers develop an incredible ability to detect sounds and signals that are not intended for them, how some species develop an incredible ability to detect sounds and signals that are not intended for them. It shows that.

In previous research, Co-Response, an associate professor of biology at the University of Denver, and co-author Robin Tinchterra, found that some male Pacific field cricket evolve new songs through wing mutations. did. Female Ormia Oklasea larvae, parasite fly. Second, parasitized flies have improved their ability to find the male cricket location for the larvae to incubate and develop – leading to the decline of cricket without a novel song.

“This now seems like a classic example of adaptation and counter-reaction between cricket and flies,” Tinghitera said. “Cricket will evolve new songs, but again, to avoid parasitic flies, will the fly develop a new way to find a host?

The team, built from previous academic work, collected Okura Seaflies from Hawaii and Florida as a comparative group. The researchers performed two experimental types, behavioral and neural, focusing on measuring the response of female parasitized flies to cricket song types (such as Purring, Grattling, typical). They discovered that Hawaiian flies can develop more sensitive hearing systems and better find these new songs. On the field, they discovered that while Hawaiian parasites prefer larger, typical cricket songs, they can still detect less intense, intense parings and rattle songs.

“This study will also help animals understand broader questions, such as how to navigate the environment, find food, and avoid predators,” Lee said. “In addition, the unique strategies used by these eavesdroppers can inspire innovation in technology. Essentially, it reveals hidden ways in which nature works and uses its knowledge to create science and technology. It’s about bringing benefits to society.”

The researchers recommend future studies to compare neural thresholds in Hawaiian flies and cricket populations. Further research will help you better understand whether the auditory system of women’s cricket has evolved to better detect new songs by men.

“By engaging in cutting-edge, practical research, St. Olaf’s undergraduates apply coursework, develop transferable technical skills, and how science is truly carried out while contributing to meaningful discoveries. You can experience it,” Lee said.