Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Tiny Bats Use High-Frequency Sounds for Camouflage

Proboscis bats use high-frequency vocalizations for camouflage, avoiding detection by predators and surprising prey. These tiny bats are smaller than a house mouse and roost in exposed locations.

They employ acoustic crypsis, using very high-frequency echolocation and communication calls. Most predators cannot hear sounds above 40 kilohertz, and the bats produce few vocalizations below this threshold.

A study identified at least 22 distinct syllable types, combined into 17 vocalizations. Males produce complex 'songs' during mating season, while other calls may convey social information.

These high-frequency calls allow the bats to detect prey at very close ranges, giving insects little time to escape.

The calls' short travel distance also aids their concealment from predators.

Researchers are concerned about climate change impacting these bat populations.

Future research will explore the composition and function of their vocalizations.

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