fascinating evolution for a fly, though. And it's not like they drink much blood - as the post says, they stay with one host. harming the bat would be wildly counterproductive.
My objection is solely to the thing's horrific appearance, though. XD Sure, it is an interesting critter; I wouldn't be here if I were unwilling to risk nightmares in order to learn about the crazy shit nature does.
well, he is being handed by giant hairless apes - i'd be annoyed too. He's probably barely noticing the batfly - well-evolved parasites are as unobtrusive as possible
Actually it looks like one of the batfly's feet is in the bat's eye. I doubt that's comfortable.
I also had the thought that the batfly would not be nearly as successful if bats had social grooming, & the batfly probably hangs out on the bat's head because the bat can't reach it there.
eh, it's not like the bat's actually endangered. Although I did find an interesting paper on a 20-million-year-old batfly in amber that was also host to bat malaria.
So I won't feel sorry for the little freak ass thing. Hey,for all we know it could be a teenage bat fad,or a right of passage. They are only cool when they get a two leg short arachnid looking hat that is actually attached to it...?? Who are we to judge fashion?
Comments 27
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
I also had the thought that the batfly would not be nearly as successful if bats had social grooming, & the batfly probably hangs out on the bat's head because the bat can't reach it there.
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Who are we to judge fashion?
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment