“Spectral bats exhibit a level of cooperative behavior and biparental care that is rarely documented in bats – a fascinating area for future research,” Marisa Tietge, a study co-author and a biologist at Museum für Naturkunde – Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science in Germany, said in a statement.

“We were astonished by how gentle and cooperative these apex predators are,” said Tietge. “The most endearing behavior was forming a tight cuddle-ball when falling asleep: each bat wrapping one wing around its nearest neighbor, all snouts touching.”