The term "Emballonuridae" refers to a family of bats. It is spelled with the letters "E-m-b-a-l-l-o-n-u-r-i-d-a-e" and pronounced as [ɛmˌbæləˈnʊrɪdeɪ]. The first syllable is pronounced as "em" with a short "e" sound followed by a stressed "bal" with a short "a" sound. The next syllable, "lo," is pronounced with a short "o" sound, followed by a short "n" in "nur." The final two syllables, "i" and "dae," are pronounced as "i" with a long "e" sound and "dae" as "day."
Emballonuridae is a scientific term that refers to a family of bats commonly known as sheath-tailed bats. This family belongs to the order Chiroptera, encompassing more than 50 species that are widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
These insectivorous bats are characterized by their unique tail structure, with an enlarged calcar or cartilaginous projection that extends vertically at the posterior end of their uropatagium, forming a sheath-like structure. This specialized tail adaptations distinguishes them from other bat families.
Emballonuridae bats are typically small to medium-sized, with body lengths ranging between 3 to 10 centimeters and a weight of few grams to around 80 grams. They often have a slender body and narrow wings, making them highly maneuverable during flight. Their fur coloration varies among species, ranging from light brown to gray or black.
These bats are primarily nocturnal and roost in a variety of habitats, including caves, crevices, tree hollows, and man-made structures. Some species also exhibit unique roosting behaviors, such as building tents using their own modified leaves.
Emballonuridae bats primarily feed on insects, including moths, beetles, and termites, which they capture during flight using echolocation. They emit ultrasonic sounds and analyze the returning echoes to determine the location, size, and movement of their prey.
The conservation status of Emballonuridae bats varies across different species, with some facing threats from habitat destruction, disturbance, and pesticide use. Overall, further research is needed to better understand their ecological roles and implement effective conservation strategies for their long-term survival.
The etymology of the word "Emballonuridae" can be traced back to ancient Greek. The word is derived from two Greek roots: "emballō" (ἐμβάλλω) and "onouros" (ὄνουρος).
1. "Emballō" (ἐμβάλλω) means "to throw in" or "to put in". This root refers to the habit of certain bat species in this family to wrap or fold their wings around their bodies during rest, "throwing in" or "putting in" the wings.
2. "Onouros" (ὄνουρος) means "tail". This root refers to the elongated tail found in some bat species within this family, distinguishing them from other bat families.