Hawkmoths squeak their genitals at threatening bats

An approaching predator inspires ultrasonic rasping in insect prey

SOUNDING A DEFENSE  Reproductive structures at the rear tip of this hawkmoth (Theretra nessus) from Malaysia can create noises too high for human hearing but audible to attacking bats.

J. Barber and A. Kawahara

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Sonar pings from a hungry bat closing in can inspire hawkmoths to get their genitals trilling.