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First published online March 30, 2006
Journal of Experimental Biology 209, 1430-1440 (2006)
Published by The Company of Biologists 2006
doi: 10.1242/jeb.02132
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Wind generated by an attacking bat: anemometric measurements and detection by the praying mantis cercal system

Jeffrey D. Triblehorn* and David D. Yager

Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA

* Author for correspondence at present address: Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA (e-mail: jtriblehorn{at}hotmail.com)

Accepted 30 January 2006

The wind-sensitive cercal system, well-known for mediating terrestrial escape responses, may also mediate insect aerial bat-avoidance responses triggered by wind generated by the approaching bat. One crucial question is whether enough time exists between detection and capture for the insect to perform a successful evasive maneuver. A previous study estimated this time to be 16 ms, based on cockroach behavioral latencies and a prediction for the detection time derived from a simulated predator moving toward a simulated prey. However, the detection time may be underestimated since both the simulated predator and prey lacked certain characteristics present in the natural situation. In the present study, actual detection times are measured by recording from wind-sensitive interneurons of a tethered praying mantis that serves as the target for a flying, attacking bat. Furthermore, using hot-wire anemometry, we describe and quantify the wind generated by an attacking bat. Anemometer measurements revealed that the velocity of the bat-generated wind consistently peaks early with a high acceleration component (an important parameter for triggering wind-mediated terrestrial responses). The physiological recordings determined that the mantis cercal system detected an approaching bat 74 ms before contact, which would provide the insect with 36 ms to perform a maneuver before capture. This should be sufficient time for the mantis to respond. Although it probably would not have time for a full response that completely evades the bat, even a partial response might alter the mantid's trajectory enough to cause the bat to mishandle the insect, allowing it to escape.

Key words: mantis, bat, escape, wind, insect, cercal




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 J. Exp. Biol.Home page
J. D. Triblehorn, K. Ghose, K. Bohn, C. F. Moss, and D. D. Yager
Free-flight encounters between praying mantids (Parasphendale agrionina) and bats (Eptesicus fuscus)
J. Exp. Biol., February 15, 2008; 211(4): 555 - 562.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


© The Company of Biologists Ltd 2006