Emballonuridae – Sheath-tailed bats

Often known as sac-winged or sheathed-tail bats, these bats represent a remarkable and diverse group within the Chiroptera order, distinguished by their unique anatomical adaptations and sophisticated behaviors. They are found across a wide range of habitats, from tropical forests to desert environments, showcasing their adaptability to different ecological niches.

One of the most fascinating aspects of these bats is their sac-winged feature, from which their name derives. This refers to specialized glands located on their wings that secrete pheromones. These chemical compounds play a crucial role in social interactions within the species, serving multiple functions such as attracting mates, marking territories, and facilitating social cohesion among groups. This pheromone communication system underscores the complex social structures and behaviors exhibited by these creatures, which remain a subject of extensive research and fascination within the scientific community.

Additionally, these bats are known as sheathed-tail bats due to the distinctive extension of their membranous wings, which partially envelop their tails. This unique adaptation provides them with enhanced flexibility and maneuverability during flight, allowing for more efficient navigation and foraging in their nocturnal activities. This feature exemplifies the evolutionary innovations that bats have developed to excel in aerial locomotion and predation.

Echolocation is another remarkable ability of these bats, enabling them to navigate and hunt in complete darkness. They emit ultrasonic sounds that are inaudible to humans, which bounce off objects and prey, returning as echoes to the bats. This sophisticated biological sonar system allows them to accurately determine the size, shape, and distance of objects, facilitating their hunting and flying in cluttered environments.