The looper moth, seen here in Oregon's Mt. Hood National Forest, is among the moth species that have a tympanum, which works like an ear, on their abdomens.
Some Insects Taste With Their Feet and Hear With Their Wings
Insects put their senses in strange places, from ears on their bellies to noses on their legs—and eyes on their genitalia.
Ah, the breezy life of a butterfly. You’re outside all day, you have pretty wings and life is all about flowers.
One drawback: Your feet have taste receptors on them, which seems like it could get pretty unpleasant depending where you land.
The idea of walking around tasting our floor tile all day made us wonder: What are some of the other strange places insects have their sensory organs? It’s a human-centric question, but well, we’re only human.
For a butterfly, tasting with your feet isn’t gross. In fact, it’s a great way to find a delicious place to eat—and that’s why it’s how they shop for daycare for their offspring.
“You’ve got to make sure you’re getting those babies on the right
