Chiroptera: The Order of Bats – The Only Flying Mammals

In a Nutshell: What are Bats?

The order Chiroptera, commonly known as bats, is the second-largest order of mammals, with over 1,400 species. Bats are unique among mammals because they are the only group capable of sustained flight. Found on every continent except Antarctica, they play essential roles in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control.

Bats were traditionally divided into megabats (fruit bats) and microbats (insect-eating and echolocating bats), but recent genetic studies have reorganized the classification into two suborders:

Pteropodiformes (Yinpterochiroptera) – Includes fruit bats (Pteropodidae) and some echolocating bats.
Vespertilioniformes (Yangochiroptera) – Includes most insectivorous bats and other echolocating species.

Keep reading to learn more about Bats!

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Key Characteristics of Bats

True flight – Unlike flying squirrels or gliding mammals, bats have modified forelimbs with a wing membrane (patagium) that enables powered flight.
Echolocation (in most species) – Many bats use high-frequency sounds to navigate and hunt in the dark.
Diverse diets – Some bats eat insects, while others consume fruit, nectar, fish, or even blood.
Hibernation & torpor – Some bats enter hibernation or daily torpor to survive cold or food shortages.
Social structures – Some species form large colonies, while others are solitary or live in small groups.

What Are the Major Groups of Bats?

Bats are now classified into two major suborders based on molecular and genetic evidence:

Pteropodiformes (Yinpterochiroptera)

This group includes fruit bats (megabats) and some echolocating bats.
They are found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions.
They depend more on vision and smell rather than echolocation.
They eat fruit, nectar, and pollen, making them key pollinators.
The group includes families such as Pteropodidae (flying foxes, Old World fruit bats), Rhinolophidae (horseshoe bats), and Hipposideridae (leaf-nosed bats).

Vespertilioniformes (Yangochiroptera)

This group includes most insectivorous bats and other specialized feeders.
They are found worldwide, including temperate regions.
They use echolocation to hunt for insects, fish, or small vertebrates.
This group includes families such as Vespertilionidae (evening bats), Molossidae (free-tailed bats), and Phyllostomidae (New World leaf-nosed bats, including vampire bats).

Many sources still refer to megabats and microbats, but this division is no longer considered scientifically valid.

Where Do Bats Live?

Bats inhabit a wide range of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to deserts and even urban areas.

Caves & Rock Crevices – Many bats roost in caves, cliffs, and rock formations.
Forests & Trees – Fruit bats and some microbats roost in tree hollows, under leaves, or in dense foliage.
Buildings & Urban Areas – Some species, like the big brown bat, adapt to roosting in roofs, bridges, and abandoned buildings.
Tropical Islands – Flying foxes are common in Pacific and Southeast Asian islands.
Underground & Mines – Some bats prefer abandoned mines and deep caves to regulate temperature and humidity.

What Do Bats Eat?

Bats have highly diverse diets, depending on the species:

Insectivorous Bats – The most common type; they consume mosquitoes, beetles, moths, and agricultural pests.
Frugivorous Bats – Fruit-eating bats such as flying foxes and short-tailed fruit bats.
Nectarivorous Bats – Specialized bats that feed on nectar and pollen, pollinating plants like bananas, agave, and mangos.
Carnivorous Bats – Some larger bats hunt frogs, birds, fish, and even other bats.
Sanguivorous Bats (Vampire Bats) – Three species of vampire bats feed on blood, primarily from livestock.

What Eats Bats?

Despite their flight abilities, bats are preyed upon by various animals:

Birds of prey – Owls, hawks, and falcons hunt bats in flight.
Snakes – Some snakes ambush bats at roosting sites.
Mammalian predators – Raccoons, weasels, and wild cats prey on bats at cave entrances.
Humans – In some regions, bats are hunted for food or traditional medicine.

Ecological Roles & Adaptations

Bats are critical for maintaining healthy ecosystems:

Pollinators – Nectar-feeding bats pollinate important plants like agave (used for tequila) and bananas.
Seed Dispersers – Frugivorous bats help regenerate forests by spreading seeds.
Pest Control – Insectivorous bats consume tons of agricultural pests, benefiting farmers.
Nutrient Cycling – Bat guano is a rich fertilizer used in farming.
Flight Adaptations – Their light bones, elongated fingers, and flexible wing membranes allow for precise maneuverability.

Comparison with Similar Animals

Bats are often compared to birds and gliding mammals, but they have distinct differences:

Feature	Order Chiroptera (Bats)	Class Aves (Birds)	Gliding Mammals (Colugos, Flying Squirrels)
Flight Type	Powered flight	Powered flight	Gliding only
Wings	Skin membrane	Feathers	Skin flaps (patagium)
Echolocation	Used by most microbats	Not used	Not used
Metabolism	High	High	Moderate
Diet	Insects, fruit, nectar, blood	Insects, seeds, fish, meat	Leaves, fruits

Bats are unique among mammals in that they have evolved true powered flight, setting them apart from gliding mammals like flying squirrels and colugos.

Summary

Chiroptera is the only order of mammals capable of sustained flight, with over 1,400 species worldwide.
Bats are now classified into Pteropodiformes (Yinpterochiroptera) and Vespertilioniformes (Yangochiroptera) instead of the outdated megabat/microbat division.
They inhabit diverse ecosystems, from caves and forests to urban areas.
Bats have varied diets, including insects, fruit, nectar, fish, and even blood.
They play vital ecological roles in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control.