The frostspitter bat (Pteropus glacies) is a rare species of bat that is only found in the state of Alaska. The frostspitter bat is covered in white fur and lives in caves. It is nocturnal like other bats. An adult frostspitter bat has a body length of 21-24 cm and wingspan of 55-58 cm. The unique feature that is found only in the frostspitter bat is its ability to eject venom from its fangs that freezes into ice within seconds of coming into contact with the outside air.
Frostspitter bats are cave dwellers and reside deep within caves through Alaska. They prefer to roost near icicles as it provides a quick source of water. They can be found in small groups and are active mainly at night. Since Alsaka has varying degree of sunlight depending on the month, frostspitter bats are more active during certain seasons. Its main diet consists of mosquitos, which are very common in Alaska. Occasionally they will feed on small hares if they can catch one. They can also eat alpine bearberry and bog blueberry, both of which are native to the state.
Frostspitter bats are known for their ability to spray “ice beams” as a form of defense. They have been known to use this ability to capture fleeing prey occasionally, as the thin layer of ice would quickly melt once the bat catches the meal. The venom contains traces of thallium, which interacts with the moisture in the air and quickly freezes into a thin layer of ice. They have strong muscles contractions in the venom glands. By squeezing them, the bat can force the venom out through small holes at the tip of the fangs. The venom also numbs when the bat bites. This sensation has ironically been dubbed “frostbite” by scientist Dr. Blake Jones. In a recent interview, Jones famously quoted, “If Mr. Freeze create a new species in honor of Batman, the frostspitter bat would be his ideal creation.”