Can bats see in the dark, or is it true that they are blind? If they aren’t blind, how well can they actually see in dimly lit environments, and how does their vision compare to that of other nocturnal animals like owls? If they are blind, how do they navigate and hunt insects in complete darkness? Does the method they use vary depending on the species of bat, and what are the limitations of this method?

Answer

While the common saying suggests bats are blind, this is a misconception. Most bats can see, but their vision isn’t as sharp as humans.

Many bat species, particularly those that are active during the day (diurnal) or twilight hours (crepuscular), rely on their eyesight for navigation and hunting. Their eyes are adapted to see in low-light conditions, similar to how cats’ eyes work. These bats often have good color vision as well.

However, the most well-known characteristic of bats is their use of echolocation. Many species of bats, especially those active at night (nocturnal), use echolocation to navigate and find prey in the dark. Echolocation involves emitting high-pitched sounds and then listening for the echoes that bounce back from objects in their environment. By analyzing these echoes, bats can determine the size, shape, distance, and texture of objects, allowing them to “see” in the dark.

In essence, bats that echolocate rely more on sound than sight for navigation and hunting in darkness. Their eyes may still function, but echolocation provides a more detailed and reliable way to perceive their surroundings in complete darkness. Conversely, bats that don’t echolocate typically have well-developed eyesight for navigating and foraging in dim light.