Taphozous – Tomb bats

A fascinating group of insect-eating bats that thrive across Africa, Asia, and Australia, famous for their unusual habit of roosting on open surfaces rather than in caves. Belonging to the family Emballonuridae, also called the sheathtail bats, these creatures are named for the small sheath of skin that partially encloses their tails—a distinctive feature that sets them apart from other bat families. The name Taphozous comes from the Greek words taphos (“tomb”) and zoon (“animal”), reflecting the early discovery of these bats roosting on the walls of ancient tombs, temples, and cliffs.

Physically, members of the genus Taphozous are medium-sized bats. Their fur is short and soft, ranging from pale gray or sandy brown to dark chocolate, depending on the species and habitat. Their faces are long and narrow, with large, dark eyes and pointed muzzles that give them a sleek, foxlike appearance. Unlike many bats that roost upside down in deep caves, tomb bats often cling flat against walls, tree trunks, or cliffs, blending seamlessly with their surroundings. The “sheathtail” that gives the family its name is a small flap of skin that forms a partial tube around the tail, thought to help streamline their bodies during flight. Their long, narrow wings make them fast, agile flyers, adapted for open-air hunting over grasslands, rivers, and even urban landscapes.

Ecologically, Taphozous bats are aerial insectivores—swift, silent hunters that emerge at dusk to feed on moths, beetles, termites, and other flying insects. They rely on echolocation, emitting high-frequency clicks to detect prey and navigate the dark. However, unlike many bats, several Taphozous species can also use vision during twilight, allowing them to hunt effectively at dawn or dusk when insects are abundant. They are particularly drawn to areas near water or light sources, where insects swarm in large numbers. Their hunting style involves fast, level flight interspersed with swooping dives as they chase insects in midair.