The 1330 species of bats in the world can be divided into 2 groups, those that echolocate (Microbats) and those that don't (Megabats). They can also be divided into Yinpterochiroptera (a.k.a. Pteropodiformes) and Yangochiroptera (a.k.a. Vespertilioniformes) based on molecular genetics.
In this classification the leaf-nosed microbats belong with the megabats. The leaf-nose is an interesting structure on the face that helps focus or direct echolocation calls, so the calls are emitted through the nostrils rather than the mouth. The repeat of the word Chiroptera reflects the name of the Order to which all bats belong, a word meaning 'hand-wing'.
|