A robotic model of efficient prey finding in the gleaning bat Micronycteris microtis.

ABSTRACT: The common big-eared bat (Micronycteris microtis) gleans its prey directly from plant surfaces. Previous experiments have shown that this bat exploits the specular reflection effect to discriminate between occupied and empty leaves. Using this effect requires the bat to position itself such that it can ensonify the leaves at sharp angles. If the bat can perceive the orientation and position of individual leaves, it could position itself to take advantage of the specular reflection. However, this would be a highly inefficient foraging strategy. The bat would first have to inspect each leaf to determine its position and orientation. Given that, under natural conditions, the vast majority of leaves do not feature prey, this would require the bat to spend most of its time collecting informatio

SUBMITTER: Vanderelst D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12848576 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature