Common name | bats |
# of Suborders | 2 (Megachiroptera, Microchiroptera) |
# of Genera | 168 |
# of Species | >920 |
Distribution | worldwide, except polar regions and a few oceanic islands |
Megachiroptera | Microchiroptera |
---|---|
1 family (Pteropodidae) | 17 families |
Generally large | Generally smaller |
Big eyes, little ears with no tragus | Little eyes, big ears with tragus often well-developed |
No nose or facial ornamentation | Nose and facial ornamentation often present |
Tail and uropatagium usually absent | Tail and uropatagium often present |
Unmodified cervical vertebrae; head held ventrally during roosting | Modified cervical vertebrae; head held dorsally during roosting |
Navigate using vision (only 1 species echolocates) | Navigate using echolocation |
Don't hibernate or undergo torpor | Many hibernate or undergo torpor |
Old World | Worldwide |
Common name | fruit bats |
Distribution | Africa, S.E. Asia (tropical) |