Did you know there are over one thousand different species of wild bats found all across the globe? This can certainly make it hard telling one apart from another, right? It is fascinating to think about how so many species of bats have acclimated and adapted to several climates and habitats all over the world. Wild bats are grouped into two main categories; megabats and microbats. Within each group contains various species of bats with a diverse range of characteristics and features. It is all quite interesting. Continue reading to learn the differences between megabats and microbats, and which species belongs in each group.
Microchiroptera
Most bats seen today are microbats. Microbats, scientifically referred to as Microchiroptera, are smaller than megabats; with “micro” meaning tiny or small, and of course “mega” meaning big or substantial. They have very small eyes but large ears. They release a high-pitched sound from their mouth or nose, to locate and hunt down food. This activity is called echolocation, a familiar term to most. Through echolocation, microbats sustain a diet that consists mostly of insects, fish, lizards, frogs, and even birds. Certain species of microbat even consume the blood of their prey. There are several species of microbats, all ranging in different sizes. The bumblebee bat happens to be the smallest; weighing only 2 grams or so. Here are a few examples of common microbat species found all across the world:
• Bumblebee Bat
• Vampire Bat
• Spear Nosed Bat
• Spotted Bat
• Inland Forest Bat
• Ghost Bat
• Orange Leaf-Nosed Bat
• Northern Free-Tailed Bat
• Mexican Free-Tailed Bat
• Little Broad-Nosed Bat
• And Much More
Megachiroptera
Megabats, or “Megachiroptera”, are less common and live in more tropical areas and climates around the world. They are much larger than microbats, and different in many ways. Megabats have large eyes and a good sense of smell. They use their sense of smell to locate food; such as fruits and flower nectars. Although primarily nocturnal, some megabats prefer to search for their meals during the daytime when these items are more bountiful and available. The largest megabat in the world is called the Gigantic Flying Fox Bat. It can weigh more than 2 pounds and have a wingspan of nearly six feet! Here are some species of megabat found in warmer and tropical climates around the planet:
• Fruit Bat
• Flying Fox Bat
• Spectacled Flying Fox Bat
• Grey-Headed Flying Fox Bat
• Hammerhead Bat
• Long-Tongued Nectar Bat
• Black Flying Fox Bat
• Little Red Flying Fox Bat
• And Much More
Even though bats are extraordinary and fascinating creatures, we certainly do not want them inside our homes! Not only can they cause extensive structural damages, they can pose a serious health threat to humans and pets. Get prompt bat removal service if you suspect you have a bat in the attic or other area of your home.
Louisville Bat Removal and Control
Call 502-553-7622 for professional Louisville bat removal and control, if you suspect you have a bat problem in or around your property. Our DNR licensed and insured bat control technicians have decades of experience and training working with nuisance wildlife. We provide commercial and residential bat removal and control services, as well as, bat cleanup and animal damage repair. Call 502-553-7622 for a free estimate or to schedule a consultation for bat removal services in Louisville, KY and its nearby counties.