THE DYNAMICS OF FLIGHT-INITIATING JUMPS IN THE COMMON VAMPIRE BAT DESMODUS-ROTUNDUS

Desmodus rotundus, the common vampire bat (Phyllostomidae: Desmodontin ae), exhibits complex and variable terrestrial movements that include flight-initiating vertical jumps. This ability is unique among bats an d is related to their unusual feeding behavior. As a consequence of th is behavior, the wing is expected to have design features that allow b oth powered flight and the generation of violent jumps. In this study, high-speed cine images were synchronized with ground reaction force r ecordings to evaluate the dynamics of jumping behavior in D. rotundus and to explore the functional characteristics of a wing operating unde r competing mechanical constraints. The pectoral limbs are responsible for generating upward thrust during the jump. The hindlimbs stabilize and orient the body over the pectoral limbs, The thumbs (pollices) st abilize the pectoral limb and contribute to extending the time over wh ich vertical force is exerted. Peak vertical force can reach 9.5 times body weight in approximately 30 ms. Mean impulse is 0.0580+/-0.007 N s (mean +/- S.D., N=12), which accelerates the animal to a mean take-o ff velocity of 2.38+/-0.24 m s(-1). A model of the muscular activity d uring jumping is described that accounts for the characteristic force output shown by these animals during flight-initiating jumps.