Jennifer's Corner
Brazilian Free-tailed Bat
Tadarida brasiliensis
What a surprise I had one Monday when I found this little bat on the floor of the EDC. It is a Brazilian or Mexican Free-tailed Bat. Free-tailed Bats have a tail that sticks out beyond the tail membrane which makes them easy to recognize. Their long, narrow wings make them fast fliers but limit their maneuverability. They feed on moths and other flying insects in flight and drink from large bodies of water that are clear of surrounding vegetation.
Bats often get a bad reputation but are remarkable creatures. About two-thirds of bat species are insectivores. They are the primary predators of night-flying insects including many of the most damaging agricultural pests. Those that feed on fruit or nectar make up about one-third of the bat species. They serve as pollinators and aid in seed dispersal. For those of you wondering about vampire bats, there are only 3 species and they do not live in the United States. They do drink blood but they do not suck it up like you see in horror movies. They make a cut in the skin of their prey and then lap up the blood much like dog or cat drinking water. A chemical in bat saliva prevents the blood from clotting and has been used to develop stroke treatments for humans.
They are the only mammal that has true wings and is capable of flight. You might be wondering about flying squirrels but they do not actually fly. They use a fur-covered flap of skin between their front and hind legs to glide. Unfortunately, bat populations are declining nearly everywhere. Find out more about bats how you can be a part of bat conservation at the Bat Conservation International website.
Previous Articles
British Soldiers
Northern Cardinal
Spotted Turtle
Great Egret
Gulf Coast Spiny Softshell
Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar
Green Anole
Tuliptree Silkmoth
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Common Snapping Turtle
Downy Woodpecker
American Holly
Tufted Titmouse
Red-shouldered Hawk
Carolina Wren
Carolina Jessamine
Is there a tiger lurking in your backyard?
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Eastern Fence Lizard
Baby Wood Ducks
Red-spotted Purple
Great Blue Heron
Copperhead