Meeting Abstract

3.5  Sunday, Jan. 4  Non-Flight Use of Wings by Bats KUNZ, Thomas H.*; MUNOZ-ROMO, Mariana; DUMONT, Elizabeth R; RISKIN, Daniel K; SWARTZ, Sharon M; Boston University; Boston University; University of Massachusetts–Amherst; Brown University; Brown University kunz@bu.edu

Wings represent one of the most important features that have contributed to the success of bats, birds, and insects. Numerous studies have shown how form and function of wings strongly influence flight performance. While wings of bats are primarily used to sustain powered flight and gliding, these highly modified forelimbs also have evolved and/or retained other critical functions. We identify and review functions of wings of bats that are not directly associated with either powered or gliding flight. Many of these non-flight uses occur during roosting periods, although some occur during flight. We suggest that the non-flight use of wings by bats may have compromised some types of flight. We have identified nearly 60 non-flight uses of wings by bats, most of which are associated with roosting, defense (e.g. crypsis and boxing), courtship (e.g. wing shaking, wing clapping), mating, parturition, parental care, grooming, non-flight locomotion (e.g. crawling, climbing, and swimming), scent marking, gas exchange, thermoregulation (e.g. wing-fanning), feeding (e.g. prey capture), and to facilitate urination and defecation. While these non-flight uses of wings are secondary to powered or gliding flight, the constraints imposed on wing form and function by these other uses also have contributed to the unique suite of life-history traits that characterize bats as a group.