The Suction Discs of Thyroptera tricolor

The Suction Discs of Thyroptera tricolor
The suction discs of Thyroptera tricolor

Thyroptera tricolor is a bat species that lives in Central and South America that sports suction discs on its ankles and the base of its thumb. The bat uses its discs to roost inside of curled leaves. The discs have an unusual skin pattern, are supported by a honeycomb of cartilage, and contain glands which secrete fluid onto their surface. Although there are no intrinsic muscles within the disc, muscles originating from the hand or foot insert into its base and allow Thyroptera to change its shape.