A lot of people are afraid of bats because they trigger their primal fear response. These mammals live in darkness and come out at night which are two things humans associate with danger. Plus, there’s also the fear of getting rabies and other diseases.
In general, however, bats are just misunderstood and they are more common than you think. In fact, there are more than 1,300 species of bats. That’s equivalent to 20% of all mammal species.
If you are feeling curious to see other odd-looking bats, here are 12 interesting species you can check out.
1. Bulldog Bats
Bulldog bats have full lips and squarish muzzle which you’ll find similar to a bulldog. Their ears are long and pointed while their wings are narrow.
2. Visored Bats
These bats have a structure that can’t be found in any other species- the visor. In females, you can see the structure above the center of each eye. In males, it stretches across the eyes. Visored bats also have rounded heads and bulging golden-brown eyes.
3. Wrinkle-Lipped Free-Tailed Bat
Wrinkle-Lipped Free-Tailed bats can be found in several countries in Asia, including the Philippines, Laos, India, and Vietnam. It can fly as high as 950 meters.
4. Eastern Tube-Nosed Bat
Eastern Tube-Nosed bats have noticeable nostrils. Their wings and ears show several contrasting spots which are usually yellow-green or pallid yellow in color. They are considered as fruit-eating bats.
5. Chapin’s Free-Tailed Bat
Chapin’s Free-Tailed bats are generally small. On average, they measure 8 to 12 cm in length. Their most distinctive feature is the crest of hair that rises between their ears. In males, the crest is generally striking and has two colors. In females, it’s typically smaller and bland.
6. Little White-Shouldered Bat
These bats have a spot of pure white fur which can be found on the shoulders. They have a short broad snout and wide mouth. Unlike other bats, they do not have external tails.
7. Spotted Bat
Spotted bats are believed to possess the largest ears of any species of bat in North America. On average, these bats can grow up 12 cm in length and 15 in weight. Their prominent feature is the distinctive white spots that can be found on their black back.
8. Yellow-Winged Bat
Yellow-winged bats eat insects. They track them down using echolocation as they fly through the air.
9. Hammer-Headed Bat
In mainland Africa, hammer-headed bats are considered the largest bats. They are known to be frugivores. They thrive mostly on figs, mangos, guavas, and bananas.
10. Giant Golden-Crowned Flying Fox
These bats get its name from the color of its fur. It has a golden color that starts between the eyes and ends to the name of its neck. In some bats, the color extends to the upper shoulders. They are also considered as frugivorous.
11. Rufous Horseshoe Bat
These bats can be easily recognized for their bright-colored fur. They can be found in Asian countries like India, China, and Vietnam.
12. Big-Eared Woolly Bat
These bats have a diverse feeding habit. They eat anything from small vertebrates to birds and other bats. They also eat fruits.
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