The ultrasonic song of the moth Amyna natalis (Lepidoptera:Noctudidae: Acontiinae)

In Malaysia, males of the noctuid moth Amyna natalis were observed producing a continuous ultrasonic song of high intensity (about 102 dB SPL measured at a distance of 10cm). The frequency spectrum of the sound impulses had its peak between 60 and 80 kHz. During song production the animals were perching on plants and moving their wings up and down quickly. Simultaneously, by twisting the wings it seems likely that a male-specific “bubble'' in the forewing functions as a tymbal, resulting in sound production.