Acoustically mediated risk assessment of eastern tent caterpillars (Malacosoma americanum)

Research on acoustic defense strategies of caterpillars is lacking. Most known lepidopteran larvae have limited vision and live on a substrate during their larval span. Thus, sounds and/or vibrations of predators could have important roles in risk assessment. This thesis investigated acoustically mediated risk assessment in Eastern tent caterpillars, Malacosoma americanum, which live in colonies on silk tents. Malacosoma americanum responded to acoustic stimuli primarily by flicking, and were most sensitive to low frequency (100-500 Hz) sounds, and sounds and vibrations of certain predators/parasitoids. These results support the hypotheses that tent caterpillars assess risk and respond to acoustic stimuli that they may receive through airborne/vibration borne stimuli. A preliminary study tested the possibility that caterpillars on the tent communicate using vibrations to possibly coordinate group displays. This thesis provides novel insights into the importance of acoustics in caterpillar risk assessment, expanding our understanding of this common forest pest’s sensory world.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Grantor dc:publisher

Carleton University

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Khan, Sara

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © 2024 the author(s). Theses may be used for non-commercial research, educational, or related academic purposes only. Such uses include personal study, distribution to students, research and scholarship. Theses may only be shared by linking to the Carleton University Institutional Repository and no part may be copied without proper attribution to the author; no part may be used for commercial purposes directly or indirectly via a for-profit platform; no adaptation or derivative works are permitted without consent from the copyright owner.

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

10.22215/etd/2024-16391

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:carleton.scholaris.ca:20.500.14718/43534