Microbat
Microbat Introduction
All bats are flying mammals, not birds. Bats have been divided into two groups, microbats, which are small and use echolocation to find prey, and megabats, which are usually larger.
Most microbats eat insects; larger microbats sometimes eat lizards, snakes, and small birds. Only three species, living in Central and South America, feed on blood. Some leaf-nose microbats eat fruit and nectar.
Microbats live in every part of the world except the Arctic and Antarctic. Although they can carry disease, they are generally beneficial because they eat insects. Some microbats pollinate flowers and spread seeds.
Keywords to learn
Ultrasonic: Very high pitched sound waves that humans cannot hear
About Me
Hey Kids, my name is Morgan the microbat and I am very happy to meet you. Learn more about me and my species https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/
Key Data
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Order:Chiroptera.
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Lifespan:6 to 7 years.
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Class:Mammalia.
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Scientific name:Microchiroptera.
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Mass:most weigh less than 1 ounce.
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Length:1 to 6 inches.
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Region Found:Worldwide.
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Population Status:Stable to endangered, depending on species.
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Current population trend:Stable to endangered.
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Diet:Insects, small animals, and blood.
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Sexual maturity:11 year.
Microbats are not generally aggressive or dangerous however they can be if wounded and approached, and can be dangerous if bitten or in close contact as they can carry viruses. As you have just learned, microbats are small, nocturnal bats. Now that you know more about the microbat by learning the key data above, be sure also to check out the fun facts. When you are finished learning the facts, try answering the questions in the Q&A corner on the bottom right side of the page
Download questions about the microbat here: Micobat (answers are on this page)
Teachers. For more in depth work sheets on microbats. Click on Kidskonnect Worksheets
Microbat Fun Facts for Kids
- # 1. Microbats have small eyes and poor eyesight, but they have excellent hearing. They make squeaks and calls to find food through echolocation. The sounds bounce off objects, creating an echo. The bats listen for the echoes, which tell them where prey is.
- # 2. Most microbats are nocturnal. They sleep during the day and hunt at night.
- # 3. Some microbats live alone, but most live in colonies which can include thousands of bats. They can live in caves, trees, and even old houses or barns.
- # 4. Some moths have learned to outsmart bats. They detect the bats ultrasonic squeaks and can stop moving their wings for a few moments, floating motionless in the air. When they’re not moving, the bats can’t hear them.
Q&A Corner
- # 1. What do microbats eat?
- # 2. Where do microbats live?
- # 3. Are microbats dangerous?
- # 4. How do microbats hunt?
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