Reliable reconstruction of cricket song from biophysical models and preserved specimens

Predicting the function of a biological structure solely from its
morphology can be a very powerful tool in several fields of biology, but
especially in evolutionary reconstruction. In the field of invertebrate
acoustic communication, reconstructing the acoustic properties of
sound-producing forewings in crickets has been based on two very divergent
methods, finite element modelling (FEM) and vibrometric measurements from
preserved specimens. Both methods, however, make strong simplifying
assumptions that have not been tested, and the reliability of inferences
made from either method remains in question. Here we rigorously test and
refine both reconstruction methods using the well-known Teleogryllus
oceanicus model system and determine the appropriate conditions required
to reconstruct the vibroacoustic behaviour of male forewings. We find that
when using FEM, it is not necessary to assume simplified boundary
conditions if the appropriate parameters are found. When using preserved
specimens, we find that the sample needs to be rehydrated for reliable
reconstruction; however, it may be possible to accomplish rehydration in
silico using FEM. Our findings provide a refined methodology for the
reliable reconstruction of cricket songs, whether from fossils or
preserved specimens from museums or field collections.