Ear tubercules of Tadarida brasiliens: sensory or thermoregulatory function?

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that certain bat species utilize more than just echolocation for flight and maneuvering. Antrozous pallidus and Eptesicus fuscus have large raised-domes on their wings, which contains concentrates of Merkel receptor cells that are crucial for skilled maneuvering and flight. We have observed that Tadarida brasiliens, a migratory bat from the Molossidae class, have similar structures located on the ear. We hypothesized that these Merkel cell receptors can also be found on the ears of the Tadarida brasiliens. The small projections on the ear could be involved in flight, aerodynamics and/or sensory-cognition between parent and offspring. Preliminary results demonstrate the presence of typical dermal tissue, including dense connective tissue and capillaries. Since these bats hibernate in large groups and fly up to high altitudes, thermoregulation would be an important necessity that could be provided in part by these tubercules.