Vibrational communication

Pronunciation
/vi-bra-sha-nal kuh-myoo-nuh-kay-shun/
Category
Behavior
Plural
Vibrational communications

Definition

A form of communication used by insects and other arthropods to transmit information through physical vibrations transmitted via a substrate, such as plants or soil.

Etymology

From Latin 'vibratio', meaning 'vibration', and 'communicare', meaning 'to share'.

Example

Many insects use vibrational communication to attract mates, defend territories, or signal danger.

Related Terms

  • Stridulation
  • Plant-borne vibrations
  • Substrate-borne vibrations

Usage Notes

Vibrational communication relies on the physical properties of the substrate and the frequency range of the signals produced by the insect.