Tiger Beetles Use Ultrasonic Mimicry to Evade Bats

New research reveals that nocturnal tiger beetles imitate toxic moths' ultrasonic signals to avoid predation by bats.

Scientists found that seven species of nocturnal tiger beetles produce ultrasonic clicks when they detect bat echolocation.
These beetles mimic the ultrasonic warnings of noxious tiger moths, deterring bats from attacking.
Previous assumptions that the beetles' defensive chemicals deterred bats were disproven through feeding experiments.
The study suggests that ultrasonic mimicry might be widespread among nocturnal insects.
Human-induced noise and light pollution could disrupt these delicate ecological interactions.