Of walls and floors: how physical structures affect mating song detection in stridulating orthopterans

Abstract Sensory ecology theory proposes that modalities like vision, audition and olfaction determine habitat selection and behavioural adaptation by organisms. This study explores how physical modifications in the environment influence the probability of detecting mating songs of stridulating orthopterans (suborder Ensifera) in nature. By experimentally introducing floors and walls into vegetated fields, we demonstrated that such structural changes can either enhance or hinder sound propagation and song detection, depending on species‐specific acoustic traits. Song detection probability increased for Nemobiinae species, likely due to improved sound reflection or behavioural attraction to the structures. Conversely, detection of Conocephalinae species decreased in the presence of these structures, suggesting adverse effects on habitat quality and signal transmission. Phaneropterinae species showed no clear response, likely owing to their long‐range song propagation from elevated positions. Song detection was also influenced by air temperature, time of day, vegetation density and microphone position, with warmer temperatures and elevated microphone positions generally enhancing detection. Structural changes to vegetated fields altered not only sound propagation but also potentially species incidence and behaviour. These findings highlight the interplay between the modification of physical structures and species traits. Our results underscore the need for habitat‐specific conservation strategies, particularly in settings where both acoustic and physical environments are continually transformed, such as in urbanised areas.