Well, no. Not literal moth scales, but wallpaper designed to resemble them might! Around two years ago, scientists at the University of Bristol found that some moth species avoid bats by using scales on their bodies that dampen sound. And now, recent studies suggest that wallpaper designed to resemble those scales could be used to muffle noises.

Bats emit ultrasonic cries, reflecting off insects’ bodies to detect moths in the dark. Some moths can hear those calls and respond by flying away. However, the 2020 study focused on several species of deaf moths that cannot hear the bats’ calls.

It was discovered that those moths had instead developed unique scales that can absorb up to 85% of incoming sound energy on their wings and thorax. It is therefore challenging for bats to locate the moths since the echolocation cries are not well-reflected.

The sound-absorbing properties of the scales raised the question of how well they might be able to muffle sounds other than bat calls. That question was further investigated in the recent University of Bristol study.

The first step was for the research team to cut 8-mm discs from the wings of deaf Chinese oak silk moths (Antheraea pernyi), which they then mounted on identical-sized metal discs. When a speaker aimed toward the discs generated ultrasonic signals, the wing tissue absorbed up to 87% of the sound energy, and it did so over a broad range of angles and frequencies.

Furthermore, the material accomplished this impressive feat despite being extremely thin. The layer of scales was only half as thick as the sound wave it was absorbing.

It should be noted that the study’s use of ultrasonic transmissions involved frequencies exceeding the human hearing range. However, the researchers are convinced that a synthetic version of the wing scales could be modified to function against audible disturbances. They are currently working to create such material.

Prof. Marc Holeried, the study’s lead scientist, concluded:

“Moths are going to inspire the next generation of sound-absorbing materials. One day it will be possible to adorn the walls of your house with ultrathin sound-absorbing wallpaper, using a design that copies the mechanisms that give moths stealth acoustic camouflage.”

The study’s findings are detailed in a report in the Proceedings of the Royal Society A journal on June 15, 2022.