Rthoptera: standardised insect bioacoustics in R

Abstract

O_LICrickets were the first study subjects at the dawn of bioacoustics, yet, almost 100 years later, freely available and robust analysis tools and protocols are still needed. C_LIO_LIWe introduce Rthoptera, a new open-source R package for the analysis of insect acoustic signals, offering accurate graphics and standardised temporal and spectral measurements through a streamlined workflow. Our package delivers results in a fraction of the time typically required by multi-software methods. Most of the functions have interactive versions (Shiny applications), facilitating their adoption by researchers with any level of technical expertise. C_LIO_LINew acoustic metrics are introduced: Spectral Excursion, Pattern Complexity Index, Temporal Excursion, Dynamic Excursion, and Broadband Activity Index. C_LIO_LIAccompanied by an appropriate recording protocol, our tool can become the backbone of a standard analysis protocol for comparative insect bioacoustics. C_LI