VibePy: An open-source tool for conducting high-fidelity vibrational playback experiments

Abstract

Many insect species communicate about activities central to their survival and reproduction via vibrational signals (i.e., waves that travel through solid substrates). One widely used and effective approach for testing hypotheses about communication is the playback experiment, in which stimuli are played to focal organisms and their responses are documented. Recent technological advances and efforts by vibrational communication researchers have diversified the hardware options available for use in such experiments, but proprietary software is still needed for high-fidelity playbacks. Here, we present an open-source software tool, VibePy, that (1) measures and compensates for undesired filtering and (2) calibrates playback amplitude. Because proprietary software licenses impose economic barriers that can limit access to research, we have developed VibePy in the open-source language Python. The functions provided by VibePy are a stepping stone toward increasing access to vibration research. Because the tool is open-source, we hope that the software will be expanded upon by others in the community of researchers studying vibrational communication and insect behavior.