Science Photo of the Day
Can butterflies hear? If so, how?
Not all butterflies can hear (so far as we know), but the Blue Morpho has tiny ear drums attached to its wings, letting them pick up sound vibrations. It is thought that this helps them avoid being eaten by birds.
Butterflies hearing
Megan, in Ms. Norton's class wants to know where, on the wings, are their ear drums? Thanks so much!!
To Megan:
Sorry, I missed your question. The butterfly uses a membrane at the base of the wing. You can see a photo of it here:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021125135.htm
Vogel's organ
It is currently postulated that some butterflies can hear (sense vibrations) across a spectrum of frequencies with an structure in the base of their forewing known as Vogel's organ. Vogel's organ is a thin membrane and associated air sac and a sensory structure. This organ is similar to the tympanal "ears" of other insects.
For more info:
http://nuthatch.typepad.com/ba/2005/09/noisy_butterfli.html
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