Pronunciation: [ɛptˈiːzɪkəs] (IPA) 
The word "eptesicus" is spelled with five vowels: e, p, t, i, and u. The first two vowels, "e" and "p," are pronounced with their usual sounds, /ɛ/ and /p/. The next consonant, "t," is pronounced as /t/. The next vowel, "i," is pronounced as /ɪ/. The last two consonants, "c" and "u," are pronounced as /k/ and /u/, respectively. Overall, the word "eptesicus" is pronounced as /ɛpˈtɛsɪkəs/.
Eptesicus is a genus of bats belonging to the family Vespertilionidae. This genus includes several species of medium-sized bats found primarily in North America, Europe, and Asia. They are commonly referred to as evening bats or serotine bats.
The name "eptesicus" originates from Greek, where "eptá" means seven and "hêkás" means each. This refers to the fact that these bats possess seven mammalian neck vertebrae, unlike most other species which typically have six.
Members of the Eptesicus genus are characterized by their relatively large size compared to other bat species. They have a wingspan ranging from approximately 10 to 14 inches (25 to 36 centimeters) and a body length of around 2.75 to 4 inches (7 to 10 centimeters). Their fur is typically dark brown or grayish-brown, and their wings are moderately long and broad.
Evening bats are known for their agile flight capabilities, allowing them to navigate through dense vegetation and catch insect prey on the wing. They primarily feed on an assortment of night-flying insects, including moths, beetles, and flies.
These bats typically roost in a variety of habitats, including caves, tree cavities, and even man-made structures like buildings and bridges. They are primarily solitary animals but can occasionally form small colonies during hibernation or when roosting in especially favorable locations.
Overall, the genus Eptesicus includes several fascinating bat species known for their flight abilities, diet preferences, and adaptable roosting habits.
The word "eptesicus" is derived from the Greek language. It comes from the combination of two Greek words - "eptá" meaning "seven" and "eíkon" meaning "image" or "figure". The scientific name "Eptesicus" was created by the Swedish botanist, zoologist, and physician Carl Linnaeus in 1758 to classify a genus of bats commonly known as the serotine bats. The name likely refers to the presence of seven prominent facial markings on these bats.
