Remarks on specific adaptive scale structure of the hair cuticle in some European bats

Specific regional variation of scale structure of the hair cuticle was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy in five vespertilionid bat species. Only the tip region of hairs here showed unequal hastate coronal scales with long free parts (blades), and free edges that were distinctly dentate or narrow lobate. This regional peculiarity of the hairs could be explained as an adaptive help to maintain a turbulent boundary layer of air around the body to aid hovering or gliding flight.