Encoding of Natural Insect Echoes and Sinusoidally Modulated Stimuli by Neurons in the Auditory Cortex of the Greater Horseshoe Bat, Rhinolophus Ferrumequinum

Abstract

Greater Horseshoe Bats use their long constant frequency (CF) echolocation sounds to distinguish between insect echoes and background clutter. Only insects flapping their wings are persued (Trappe and Schnitzler, 1982). Flying insects produce a species specific complex pattern of frequency and amplitude modulations in the rhythm of wingbeat (acoustical glints; Schnitzler et al, 1983) that is superimposed on the constant carrier frequency. Somehow these modulations seem to contain the cues that are used by the bats for prey classification and identification.