Playful, social and cuddly: world’s largest carnivorous bat surprises researchers

Spectral bats may not be the cutest creatures with their large wingspan and fierce bite, but new research from the Museum of Natural History in Berlin reveals a softer side to these apex predators. Published in PLOS One, the study documents complex social behaviors in a wild group of Vampyrum spectrum for the first time.

Lead author Marisa Tietge stumbled upon a roost of spectral bats in Costa Rica while studying another bat species. Setting up a motion-activated camera, she captured footage of a family of four bats engaging in various social interactions. From greeting each other with hugs to sharing prey and co-parenting their young, the bats displayed a surprising level of social bonding.

One particularly heartwarming behavior observed was a “hug-like” greeting, where bats would wrap their wings around each other in a brief embrace upon returning to the nest. Tietge believes this gesture helps the bats identify each other based on scent and reinforces social bonds essential for survival.

Contrary to their Latin name, spectral bats do not drink blood. Instead, they hunt small birds, reptiles, and mammals in remote rainforests across Central America. The research suggests that spectral bats are monogamous and actively co-parent their young, with one grown pup staying in the nest alongside its newborn sibling.

The study also captured footage of the bats roosting and sleeping closely together in a “cuddle-ball,” a behavior rarely seen in other bat species. Play-fighting, chasing insects without eating them, and even interacting with the camera were also documented, showcasing the bats’ playful side.

Rodrigo Medellín, an ecology professor, praised the research for shedding light on the cooperative behaviors of spectral bats. He emphasized the importance of dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding bats, which are often unfairly associated with evil and disease.

Moving forward, Tietge plans to study the bats’ diet and social vocalizations to gain further insight into their behavior. By highlighting the endearing and social nature of spectral bats, she hopes to challenge negative perceptions and foster a greater appreciation for these fascinating creatures. The Benefits of Meditation for Mental Health

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