The world of art has long been a treasure trove of hidden secrets, and now, a 400-year-old painting has revealed a fascinating insight into the behavior of bats. The painting, titled 'Air' by the Flemish master Jan Brueghel the Elder, has been a subject of scientific intrigue for decades, but it wasn't until recently that its true significance was uncovered.
The painting depicts a diverse array of bird and bat species, but one particular detail has captured the attention of researchers. Among the menagerie, a noctule bat (Nyctalus lasiopterus) is shown holding a bird in its mouth, a behavior that is highly unusual for these creatures. This intriguing scene has sparked a scientific revolution, as it was the first time this specific predation behavior was observed in bats.
What makes this discovery even more remarkable is the historical context. The painting was created in 1611, long before the advent of modern biologging technology or ultrasound detectors. The researchers, who published their findings in PNAS, highlight the fact that Brueghel's depiction of the noctule predation is a testament to his keen observational skills and scientific curiosity.
The behavior of these bats, known as greater noctule bats, was only recently confirmed through advanced technology. Scientists have been studying these creatures for a couple of decades, and the evidence has been building. For instance, the discovery of robin and blue tit feathers in the droppings of N. lasiopterus bats provided a crucial link to their dietary habits.
Passerines, the largest order of birds, are the primary prey of these bats during their migratory flights at night. The bats grab their prey, bite off their wings, and chew on their meal for up to 20 minutes while staying airborne. This unique feeding behavior is only exhibited by three bat species, and N. lasiopterus is the only one known to perform it on the wing.
The question arises: How did Brueghel come to know about this behavior? The researchers suggest that he might have witnessed a rare instance of it happening during the day or received information from someone who had seen it. The presence of bird feathers in bat droppings could have been noticed as far back as the 17th century, indicating a potential earlier understanding of this behavior.
The painting's depiction of the noctule bat is not a mere coincidence. The size, shape, and color of the bat in the painting match those of the Nyctalus genus. While identifying the specific bird in its jaws is challenging, it is clear that it belongs to the passerine order.
Beyond the predation scene, the painting also showcases a rich variety of other species. It depicts the Greek muse Urania, linked to astronomy and astrology, and the gods Apollo and Diana in the distance. The researchers note that the painting represents more than 60 species, including nearly 40 recognizable native European bird species, at least 14 exotic ones, and a few domestic taxa.
The discovery of this bat secret in 'Air' was made possible through a systematic review of historical art featuring birds and mammals. As museums and art galleries worldwide continue to digitize their collections, the potential for such revelations grows. The researchers emphasize that these digitized sources provide valuable data that can complement modern research approaches and offer insights that were previously difficult to extract.
This remarkable finding highlights the power of art as a historical record and the importance of preserving and studying these ancient masterpieces. As technology advances, we can expect to uncover more hidden secrets within the vast world of art, shedding light on the mysteries of the past and present.
