bat

Bat

                                   The bat is a mammal of the order Chiroptera whose upper limbs (arms and hands) have membranous wings format, making it the only course capable of flying mammals. In Brazil, the bat can rarely be called by their names or Andirá indigenous guandira.

Traditionally divided the bats in themselves bats (suborder Microchiroptera) and flying foxes (suborder Megachiroptera). A quarter of all mammal species in the world. There are at least 1116 species , which have a huge variety of shapes and sizes, can have a wingspan of five centimeters to two meters, an enormous capacity to adapt to almost any environment (just do not occur at the poles) and a wide diversity of eating habits.

Bats have a more varied diet among mammals because they can eat fruits, seeds, leaves, nectar, pollen, arthropods, small vertebrates, fish and blood . About 70% of bats are insectivores, feeding on insects, being practically all the rest frugivorous, ie feed on fruit. Only three species feed exclusively on blood and are called vampire bats or vampires, found only in Latin America. Thus, bats contribute substantially to the structure and dynamics of ecosystems , because they act as pollinators, seed dispersers, insect pests (including agricultural pests), nutrient suppliers in caves and vector wild diseases, among other functions. They also have the extraordinary sense of echolocation (biossonar or guidance echoes), using for guidance, search for food and communication.Scientific classification:

Kingdom: Animalia
Filo: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Infraclass: Placentalia
Order: Chiroptera

Information and features:

- The bat is a mammal that has the ability to fly.

- Scholars have cataloged nearly 100,000 species of bats, and vary in color, size, weight and body shape.

- They feed mainly on fruits, insects, animal blood (few bloodsucking species), fish, nectar and pollen.

- When flying at night, use a location system known as biosonar (emission of ultrasonic waves through the nostrils or mouth) Some species are guided by the echoes. Although they have this feature, they have good vision.

- Depending on the species, the life of a bat from 10 to 25 years old.

- Can transmit rabies to humans through the bite with their sharp little teeth.

-are Important for the perfect functioning of ecosystems, because they act as pollinators and seed distribution by forests.

- Reach sexual maturity (breeding period) at around two years old.

- Inhabit damp and dark places, especially caves and abandoned buildings.

- Many activities of bats are held in the late afternoon and evening.