Buzz
Bats have been the inspiration for countless horror stories (like those involving vampire bats), along with myths and misconceptions (such as the belief that they are blind). These remarkable creatures vary greatly in shape and size, making them one of the most fascinating and diverse animals. In this list, we’ll highlight ten of the most extraordinary bats around. Feel free to share any others you know in the comments section.
10. Banana Bat
Native to western Mexico, the banana bat is famous for its incredibly long snout, which is the longest relative to body size of any bat. As a nectar-feeder, it plays a crucial role in pollination in its tropical deciduous forest environment. This bat is often found in banana plantations, which is how it got its unique name.
9. Ghost Bat
This bat, with its striking white fur, is found in tropical rainforests ranging from Mexico to Brazil, as well as on the Caribbean island of Trinidad. A solitary creature, it spends the day resting under a palm leaf and takes to the skies at night to hunt moths and other flying insects.
8. Chapin’s Bat
This bat is famous for its unusual 'hairdo' and the peculiar scent that males emit to attract females during courtship. As insectivores, these bats thrive in the rainforests of central Africa.
7. Wrinkle Faced Bat
This fruit-eating species is native to Mexico and Central America, where it is affectionately called 'murcielago viejito' (meaning 'old man bat') or 'murcielago zopilote' (which translates to 'vulture bat') because of its wrinkled, hairless face. They also have a large flap of skin that they use as a mask to cover their face when resting.
6. Big Eared Bats
These bats prey on flying insects and, like many other bat species, utilize echolocation to track them down. Their massive ears enhance their hearing ability, making them even more adept than smaller-eared bats. These bats belong to various genera and can be found in regions all over the globe.
5. Fishing Bats
This large bat inhabits Mexico, Central, and South America, and primarily feeds on fish. It uses its long, clawed feet to snatch fish from the water's surface before consuming its meal mid-flight. A smaller relative, the Lesser Fishing Bat, dines on aquatic insects instead.
4. Ghost Faced Bat
Ghost-faced bats are found across the New World, from the southern United States to Peru. With almost no noses, strange tough skin flaps on their faces, and a highly noticeable forehead, they have a unique and bizarre look. They primarily feed on nocturnal insects.
3. Hammer Headed Bat
Native to the rainforests of Africa, this large bat is named after the massive, oddly shaped head of the males. The majority of the male's thorax acts as a resonating chamber, enabling it to produce loud calls to attract females. Their diet consists mainly of fruit, though they may occasionally consume other animals.
2. Tube Nosed Fruit Bat
Found in the rainforests of the Philippines, the tube-nosed fruit bat is a critically endangered species first discovered in 1984. Recognizable by its unusual tubular nostrils and striped back (a rare feature among bats), it feeds mainly on figs and other fruits, though it might occasionally eat insects.
1. Sucker Footed Bat
This bat, native to Madagascar, was once believed to use suction cups on its wings and ankles to cling to palm leaves and other smooth surfaces. However, it is now understood that the bat does not rely on suction but rather adhesion, secreting a sticky substance that works like glue—similar to the adhesion found in tree frogs and salamanders.
