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Bats are flying mammals of the order Chiroptera (/ k aɪ ˈ r ɒ p t ə r ə /). With their forelimbs adapted as wings, they are the only mammals capable of true and sustained flight. Bats are more agile in flight than most birds, flying with their very long spread-out digits covered with a thin membrane or patagium.
- Winging It
- Classification
- Roosting
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The scientific name for bats is Chiroptera, which is Greek for “hand wing.” That’s because bats have four long fingers and a thumb, each connected to the next by a thin layer of skin. They are the only mammals in the world that can fly, and they are remarkably good at it. Their flexible skin membrane and movable joints allow them to change directio...
There are two main types of bats: microbats and megabats. Most bats are microbats, which eat insects like moths, that come out at night. Vampire bats are the only species of microbats that feed on blood rather than insects. But not to worry—they prefer to drink from cattle and horses, not humans. To navigate dark caves and hunt after dark, microbat...
Bats can be found nearly everywhere, except in polar regions, extreme deserts, and a few isolated islands. They spend their daylight hours hiding in roosts around the tropics, dense forests, and wetlands. Roosts are where bats go to rest, usually in cracks and crevices that keep them hidden and protected. The most common roosts are existing structu...
Despite all the misconceptions surrounding bats, they are very important to humans and the environment. Insect-eating microbats consume millions of bugs a night, acting as a natural pest control for plants. Thanks to bats, farmers might rely less on toxic pesticides, which costs them millions of dollars each year. Nectar-drinking bats pollinate pla...
Learn about the diversity, adaptations, and ecological importance of bats, the second most common group of mammals. Find out how bats use echolocation, roost, feed, and face threats from humans and diseases.
Jun 22, 2024 · Learn about bats, the only mammals that can fly and use echolocation. Find out how bats vary in size, colour, shape, and distribution, and what roles they play in the ecosystem.
Learn about the diversity, ecology and conservation of bats, the only flying mammals that pollinate fruits, eat insects and inspire medical marvels. Discover how bats are heroes of the night and how you can help protect them from threats like white-nose syndrome.
Learn about bats, their ecological importance, conservation status, and threats. Find out amazing facts, myths, and tips on how to coexist with bats.
Learn about the diversity, evolution, and ecology of bats, the only mammals that can fly. Discover how bats use echolocation, what they eat, where they live, and why they are important for the environment.
Jun 22, 2024 · Anatomical specializations. bat; microchiropteran. Features of typical microchiropteran bats. Bats are mammals with front limbs modified for flight. The chest and shoulders are large and well-muscled to provide power to the wings. The hips and legs are slender, as they do not usually support any body weight.
