Middle ear senses barometric pressure: Eastern pipistrelle bat

The Vitali organ in the middle ear of the Eastern pipistrelle bat helps it hunt by sensing changes in barometric pressure that influence the number of insects flying at a given time.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Process information >
	Sense signals/environmental cues >
	Atmospheric conditions

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Pest attractant Product release based on changes in barometric pressure

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Bat researcher Dr. Ken Paige of the University of Illinois's Institute for Environmental Studies noted that flying insects were most common when air (barometric) pressure was low (except in heavy rain). During these conditions eastern pipistrelle bats inhabiting caves in western Illinois came outside in large numbers. When the air pressure rose, however, insect numbers declined, and fewer bats exited the caves. The bat's barometric sense may be due to the Vitali organ in the middle ear -- bats are the only mammals with this organ." (Shuker 2001:64)

About the inspiring organism

eastern pipistrelle
Pipistrellus subflavus (F. Cuvier, 1832)
[Eastern pipistrelle]

Some organism data provided by: ITIS: The Integrated Taxonomic Information System
Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Pest attractant, product release based on changes in barometric pressure

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Agriculture, pest control

Experts

Paige Evolutionary Ecology/Molecular Biology Laboratory
Ken N. Paige
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

References

Shuker, KPN. 2001. The Hidden Powers of Animals: Uncovering the Secrets of Nature. London: Marshall Editions Ltd. 240 p.

Middle ear senses barometric pressure: Eastern pipistrelle bat

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