According to a new study, butterflies in the course of evolution up to seven times independently developed unique anatomical mechanisms to extract ultrasound through the genitals. This method of defense against predatory bats evolved in insects of the Sphingidae family over the past 30 million years. What's most striking about the new study is that different species have evolved to make this decision independently at different times over the past 30 million years. When bats started eating mass nuclear butterflies, those species where a random mutation caused their genitalia to rub and create at least some abrasion, had a huge chance of survival. As a result, seven different anatomical modifications of the genitals have evolved, but they all serve the same purpose - to produce protective ultrasound.

According to a new study, butterflies in the course of evolution up to seven times independently developed unique anatomical mechanisms to extract ultrasound through the genitals. This method of defense against predatory bats evolved in insects of the Sphingidae family over the past 30 million years. What's most striking about the new study is that different species have evolved to make this decision independently at different times over the past 30 million years. When bats started eating mass nuclear butterflies, those species where a random mutation caused their genitalia to rub and create at least some abrasion, had a huge chance of survival. As a result, seven different anatomical modifications of the genitals have evolved, but they all serve the same purpose - to produce protective ultrasound.