Rats sense the wind with antennae-like whiskers above their eyes

Sensitivity to airflow may help the rodents detect the movements of predators in the dark

Rats’ faces bristle with highly sensitive whiskers that are primarily used for feeling around their surroundings. But wispy whiskers above their eyes may be especially adept at detecting faint air movements.

Many rodents use whiskers to feel their way around their world. But rats appear to take this one step further, using special, antennae-like whiskers above their eyes to sense subtle air movement. 

These long, thin hairs may help the rats detect the movements of predators or prey in dark, cramped environments.

Many studies of rodents have focused on the snout whiskers, says Ann Clemens, a neuroscientist at the University of Edinburgh. But “there are a plethora of whiskers beyond the snout, on other parts of the face and the body.”