The chemistry of an insect ear: ionic composition of a liquid-filled ear and haemolymphs of Neotropical katydids

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine and to compare the ionic composition of the haemolymph and the ear fluid of seven species of katydids (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) with the aim of providing from a biochemical perspective a preliminary assessment for an insect liquid contained in the auditory organ of katydids with a hearing mechanism reminiscent of that found in vertebrates. A multi-element trace analysis by inductively coupled plasma optical-emission spectrometry was run for 16 elements for the ear liquid of seven species and the haemolymph of six of them. Based on the obtained results, it can be recognized that the ionic composition is variable among the studied insects, but sodium (Na + ), potassium (K + ), calcium (Ca 2+ ) and magnesium (Mg 2+ ) are the most prominent of the dissolved inorganic cations. However, the ion concentrations between the two fluids are considerably different and the absence or low concentration of Ca 2+ is a noticeable feature in the inner ear liquid. A potential relationship between the male courtship song peak frequency and the total ion (Na + , K + , Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ ) concentration of the inner ear liquid is also reported.