Can Wasps Hear Sound?

Several people assume that wasps cannot hear sound. This is an assumption that has no scientific basis. They have hearing, but it is very limited. In fact, wasps can only hear low-pitched sounds.

However, other insects have better hearing. Some insects, like bats, use ultrasonic tones to localize. Ultrasound devices have little or no effect on wasps.

Insects have an organ called the tympanic organ that sits on various parts of their bodies. The tympanic organ records the vibrations in the air. It is similar to the eardrum in humans. It also records the pressure differences that occur when sound waves travel through the air.

Other insects, like bees, use their antennae to detect vibrations. These antennae have fine hairs called Johnston’s organ that detect pressure differences. They also record sound waves.

The Johnston’s organ is similar to the tympanic organ, but it has a structure that limits the frequency range of sound that the insect can hear. The range of 500 Hz is equivalent to a low-frequency sound like rolling thunder. It also detects vibrations in the ground.

Some insects, like bees, use their tympanic organs to detect vibrations. Other insects, like wasps, use a different auditory organ.

The antennae of wasps have tiny hairs that detect vibrations. They also have a long, flexible tip that deflects hairs. These hairs are covered with microscopic sense organs. They also detect pressure differences in the air.

The wasp tympanic organ is similar to the eardrum in humans. In contrast to humans, however, wasps have antennae that are sensitive to vibration.