Big Bat Bloodsucker

Piotr Naskrecki's Image

A scientist caught this bat during a biodiversity survey. When Piotr spotted the parasite on the bat’s head, his interest was immediately aroused and he quickly started to take photographs for research. Piotr didn’t have much time before the bat was released, but he did manage to capture the bristles and claws of its firmly attached stowaway.

At first glance, the smaller animal looks like a spider, but gripped to the head of the Mozambican long‑fingered bat was actually a six-legged, wingless bat fly. This bloodsucking parasite moves around on its host, but usually sits on the lower back, out of reach. When a bat is in flight, the fly may sit on its host’s head instead.


Behind the lens

Piotr Naskrecki

Piotr Naskrecki

Poland/USA

Piotr is an entomologist, conservation biologist and photographer based at Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique, where he trains Mozambican biologists. His scientific interest is in the evolution of communication and sound production in insects and other animals. As a photographer he spotlights invertebrates to capture their beauty and their vital roles within ecosystems.

Image details

  • Canon EOS 7D Mark II
  • 100mm f2.8 lens
  • 1/200 sec at f16  •   ISO 400  •   Yongnuo flashes
  • Bunga Inselbergs, Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.

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