Vespertilionidae (Sub-family of Chiroptera)

Vespertilionidae, from Latin vespertilio (“bat”), in reference to the fact that the members of this family are bats. The Latin word "vespertilio" is believed to have been derived from "vesper," meaning "evening" or "dusk," reflecting the period of activity of these bats during evening/twilight hours.

Common names of members

Evening bats, helmeted bats, long-eared bats, house bats, yellow bats, etc.

Distribution

All over the world, on every continent except Antarctica and some oceanic islands.

Size

Their size range is 3 to 13 cm in head and body length.

Morphology

The facial features of the species are often simple, as they mainly rely on vocally emitted echolocation. The tails of the species are enclosed by the lower flight membranes between the legs. Fur color is highly variable among species, ranging from black to reddish brown to bright orange-red. The underparts are paler than the back fur. The majority of species have long, soft fur.

Habitat & Ecology

Any kind of forested or unforested environment. Most species roost in caves, although some make use of hollow trees, rocky crevices, animal burrows, or other forms of shelter. Colony sizes also vary greatly, with some roosting alone, and others in groups up to a million individuals.

Diet

All species are carnivorous and most are insectivores, exceptions are bats of genera Myotis and Pizonyx that catch fish and the larger Nyctalus species known to capture small passerine birds in flight.

Reproduction

Most bat species are polygynous, where one male mates with multiple females, but there are polygynandry systems too, where multiple males mate with multiple females. Females are responsible for most of the parenting care. Males responsible for feeding and protecting young. Newborn bats cannot fly so they stay in the dwell or climb on their mothers. Usually they can fly after 2-4 weeks.