“Bats are completely blind and rely solely on echolocation.”

The enduring expression "blind as a bat" has led many to believe that these fascinating nocturnal creatures are entirely sightless, relying solely on their remarkable echolocation. This ancient misconception, perhaps dating back to observations by figures like Aristotle over two millennia ago, likely stemmed from humans' limited understanding of the natural world and bats' mysterious nighttime activity. People also observed bats' erratic flight patterns and associated them with stumbling in darkness, further cementing the idea that they couldn't see.

However, scientific evidence clearly busts this myth. All bat species possess eyes and can see, though their vision is often specifically adapted for low-light conditions. Many bats have eyesight that is, in fact, keener than human vision in dim light, allowing them to navigate effectively at dusk and dawn. Some larger species, like fruit (Review) bats, even have excellent vision that they utilize for long-distance navigation and locating food in brighter conditions.

While echolocation, the ability to "see" with sound, is a crucial tool for bats, especially for hunting small insects in complete darkness, it works in conjunction with their eyesight, not as a replacement. Bats integrate both sensory inputs to build a comprehensive understanding of their environment. Their vision is vital for detecting larger objects, identifying predators, navigating across vast landscapes, and even for social interactions. So, the next time you hear someone say "blind as a bat," remember that these winged mammals are far from it; they simply perceive the world using a sophisticated combination of senses.