Roosting Bats

Roosting Bats

Credit: © Manuel Sánchez

Spix's disc-winged bats roost in an unfurling leaf in the rainforest of Costa Rica.

Bat Teeth

Bat Teeth

Credit: © Sébastien Puechmaille

Spix's disc-winged bats form groups of five or six, staying together for years despite their itinerate lifestyles.

Spix's Disc-Winged Bat

Spix's Disc-Winged Bat

Credit: © Sébastien Puechmaille

A new study of Spix's disc-winged bats finds that their tubular roosts also serve as hearing aids, amplifying the cries of flying bats so those in the roost can hear them better.

Bat Exits a Roost

Bat Exits a Roost

Credit: © Gloriana Chaverri

A Spix's disc-winged bat takes flight from its roost.

Spix's Disc-Winged Bat in Flight

Spix's Disc-Winged Bat in Flight

Credit: © Michael Buchalski

This Spix's disc-winged bat will find another roost after a night of hunting.

Bat in Flight

Bat in Flight

Credit: © Gloriana Chaverri

Disc-winged bats are named for the suction-cup like structures on their wings and feet, which allow them to cling to the smooth surfaces of their leaf roosts.