News Animals

The screams of thirsty plants may prompt some moths to lay eggs elsewhere

Drought-stressed plants emit ultrasonic clicking that moths may evaluate when seeking a host

A close-up of a brown and yellow moth sitting on a green leaf

Guided by ultrasonic sounds that indicate plants’ levels of hydration, the Egyptian cotton leafworm moth, pictured, lays eggs in spots where plants are hydrated and healthy.

Katja Schulz/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

By Jake Buehler

If you’re a female moth, finding the best plant to host your young may be as simple as taking a close listen.