Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Science

Evolution has repeatedly turned hawkmoth genitals into defensive tools

The genital structures of male hawkmoths are lifesavers. By rubbing specialized scales on their genitals against parts of their abdomen, the nocturnal insects emit ultrasonic sounds that can potentially scramble the acoustic signals that bats use to hunt.

Evolution has repeatedly turned hawkmoth genitals into defensive tools
Image: Phys.org
The genital structures of male hawkmoths are lifesavers. By rubbing specialized scales on their genitals against parts of their abdomen, the nocturnal insects emit ultrasonic sounds that can potentially scramble the acoustic signals that bats use to hunt.

Originally published at Phys.org

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