In time but out of tune: Exploring the rapid evolution of Hawaii's songless crickets

New research finds that the "silent" mutant male crickets of Hawaii, first observed more than 20 years ago, have now become well established across the Hawaiian islands, and that the reproductive challenges caused by a lack of courtship song may be offset by much earlier maturation into adulthood, providing a wider window for breeding opportunities.

This research also reveals the existence of multiple different sound-reducing morphs, all with their own unique mutations that disrupt the cricket's ability to create songs. ...