Neuronal Activity Underlying Vocal Production in Bats

Bats exhibit a unique repertoire of vocal behaviors, with many species employing echolocation to actively sense their environment, while using communication calls for social interactions. This review explores the neural circuits underlying these behaviors, from brainstem and midbrain networks that generate and control vocalizations, to higher-order brain regions, such as the frontal cortex, which may contribute to modulation of vocal behaviors. While much is known about brainstem mechanisms for echolocation, less is understood about the neural control of communication calls and the integration of these systems. Recent findings highlight the interplay between auditory, motor, and spatial processing networks in shaping bat vocalizations, with evidence for both shared and distinct neural pathways for echolocation and communication. We propose a framework for vocal production circuits in bats, synthesizing findings from diverse species and experimental techniques, and identify key questions to guide future research. This review underscores the importance of bats as models for studying vocal production and how they can provide insights into the evolution and adaptation of neural mechanisms across species.