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Updated: Apr 3, 2026
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Saliva, Salivary Gland, and Hemolymph Collection from Ixodes scapularis Ticks
Published on: February 21, 2012
30.8K
Specialized bat tongue is a hemodynamic nectar mop.
Cally J Harper1, Sharon M Swartz, Elizabeth L Brainerd
1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA. caroline_harper@brown.edu
Summary
Nectar-feeding bats like Glossophaga soricina use specialized tongue papillae that erect via blood flow to collect nectar. This dynamic surface mechanism, a muscular hydrostat, aids efficient nectar gathering and inspires robotic designs.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Biomechanics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Nectarivorous animals, including birds and bats, possess specialized tongues for nectar feeding.
- The specific mechanisms underlying nectar collection by bats remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nectar collection mechanism of the nectar-feeding bat Glossophaga soricina.
- To elucidate the role of tongue papillae and associated structures in nectar gathering.
Main Methods:
- Detailed observation of Glossophaga soricina during nectar feeding.
- Analysis of tongue morphology and the dynamics of papillae erection and tongue elongation.
- Hypothesizing the interplay between muscular hydrostat function and hydraulic processes.
Main Results:
- Glossophaga soricina utilizes dynamic erectile papillae on its tongue tip for nectar collection.
- Papillae erection is a hydraulic process driven by blood engorgement, while elongation involves muscular hydrostat action.
- Nectar is trapped between erect papillae during tongue retraction.
Conclusions:
- The bat's tongue functions as a muscular hydrostat with an embedded hydraulic system for papillae erection.
- This specialized tongue morphology facilitates efficient nectar acquisition.
- The dynamic tongue surfaces of nectar-feeding animals offer models for developing advanced miniature surgical robots.
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