Free-tailed bat

Free-tailed bats
Temporal range: Late Eocene to recent
Unidentified molossid. Note that the tail extends beyond the uropatagium
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Suborder: Microchiroptera
Superfamily: Molossoidea
Family: Molossidae
Gervais in de Castelnau, 1855
Subfamilies

Molossinae
Tomopeatinae

Molossidae, or free-tailed bats, are a family of bats within the order Chiroptera.[1] They are generally quite robust, and consist of many strong flying forms with relatively long and narrow wings. Another common name for some members of this group, and indeed a few species from other families, is mastiff bat. The western mastiff bat, Eumops perotis, a large species from the southwestern United States and Mexico with wings over 0.5 m (1.6 ft) across, is perhaps one of the best known with this name. They are widespread, being found on every continent except Antarctica.

The family name is derived from a length of "free" tail, projecting beyond the end of the uropatagium - the membrane that connects the base of the tail to the hind legs. The tail is usually best seen when resting. A special ring of cartilage slides up or down the tail vertebrae by muscular action to stretch or retract the tail membrane. This gives many species a degree of fine tuning in their flight maneuvers to rival their day-flying ecological equivalents, such as swifts, swallows and martins. As a result, these animals include the fastest flying of all bat species among their number.[2] The dental formula of Free-tailed bats varies between species:Upper: 1.1.1-2.2-3, lower: 1-3.1.2.3

Free-tailed bats are usually grey, brown, or black in color, with some exceptions. They range from 4 to 12 cm (1.6 to 4.7 in) in length, excluding the tail, and can weigh from 8 to 220 g (0.28 to 7.8 oz), depending on species. They are insectivorous, and catch their food on the wing. While some species roost in small groups in hollow trees or rocky crevices, some cave-dwelling species form vast colonies of up to 50 million individuals.[2]

Classification

There are 18 genera in total and about 100 species:

FAMILY MOLOSSIDAE

References

  1. ^ a b c Simmons, Nancy B. (2005). "Chiroptera". In Wilson, Don E.; Reeder, DeeAnn M.. Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 312–529. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. http://www.bucknell.edu/MSW3/browse.asp?s=y&id=13801559. Retrieved 2 October 2009. 
  2. ^ a b Macdonald, D., ed (1984). The Encyclopedia of Mammals. New York: Facts on File. pp. 807. ISBN 0-87196-871-1. 
  3. ^ Gardner, Alfred L. (2008). Mammals of South America: Marsupials, xenarthrans, shrews, and bats. University of Chicago Press. pp. 669. ISBN 0226282406. http://books.google.com/?id=dbU3d7EUCm8C.