Vampire bats' secret method of hunting for the best blood uncovered by scientists

Their reputation for accurately targeting the jugular has earned them legendary status in horror stories.

Now vampire bats’ ability to go straight to the best spots for blood has been explained by science – they use infrared sensors.

Researchers found the nocturnal creatures, which need to feast on blood almost every day, are guided by a heat-detecting molecule called TRPV1 covering nerve-endings on their noses.

Blood sucker: Vampire bats have infra-red sensors which detect exactly where to bite to extract the largest amount of blood

This leads them to areas where blood is flowing close to the skin.

TRPV1 is present in many animals and in humans, allowing them to sense extreme heat.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2022100/Vampire-bats-secret-method-hunting-best-blood-uncovered-scientists.html#ixzz1U3v2ufVG