Animal with the most extreme hearing

Posted On Thursday, May 09, 2013 at 02:08:43 AM

Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have discovered that the greater wax moth is capable of sensing sound frequencies of up to 300kHz – the highest recorded frequency sensitivity of any animal in the natural world. Humans are only capable of hearing sounds of 20kHz maximum, dropping to around 12- 15kHz as we age, and even dolphins, known exponents of ultrasound, can’t compete as their limitations are around 160kHz. The research, conducted at the University, has identified the extraordinary sensory characteristics of the moth, paving the way for developments in air-couple ultrasound. “We are extremely surprised to find that the moth is capable of hearing sound frequencies at this level and we hope to use the findings to better understand air-coupled ultrasound,” said James Windmill, who led the research. “The use of ultrasound in air is extremely difficult as such high frequency signals are quickly weakened in air.