Spectral directionality of the external ear of the lesser spear-nosed bat, Phyllostomus discolor

Abstract

The directional dependence of sound pressure transformation of head and pinna has been measured in the phyllostomid bat Phyllostomus discolor for the frontal hemisphere using a maximum length sequence method. The azimuthal position of the axis of highest pinna gain came closer to the midsagital plane with increasing frequency. The acoustic axis of highest pinna gain was further characterized by an increase of the elevation angle with increasing frequency and a specific decrease at 55 kHz. Additionally, a spectral notch separated two regions of high and low frequency hearing at specific elevation and frequency combinations. The special influence of the tragus on the position of the pinna gain axis and the spectral notches is demonstrated. The functional implications of the spectral notch for hearing in P. discolor are discussed.