“Bats are blind”

The common saying "blind as a bat" is a widespread misconception that has likely contributed to the belief that these nocturnal creatures lack the ability to see. In reality, all bat species possess eyes and can see. While some bats do have smaller eyes compared to other animals, they are certainly not blind and rely on their vision, especially in low light conditions, for navigation and hunting.

Scientific evidence clearly shows that bats utilize their eyesight for various purposes. Many species, particularly the larger fruit bats (megabats), have excellent vision, comparable to or even better than that of humans in dim light, helping them locate ripe fruit and flowers. Even microbats, known for their sophisticated echolocation, use their eyes to detect distant objects, predators, and for orientation during flight, especially when emerging from their roosts at dusk. Their vision complements their echolocation, providing a more complete sensory picture of their environment.

The persistence of this myth likely stems from the remarkable ability of most bats to use echolocation. This biological sonar system, where bats emit high-frequency sounds and interpret the echoes, is incredibly precise and allows them to navigate and hunt in complete darkness. Because this unique sensory skill is so well-known and crucial to their survival, it often overshadows the fact that they also possess functional eyesight. People mistakenly assume that because bats have such an advanced alternative to vision, they must not have vision at all.