The correct spelling of the Brazilian Free-tailed Bat is Tadarida brasiliensis, with emphasis on the "i" in the second syllable. The phonetic transcription of the word is /tædəridə brəzɪliˈɛnsɪs/. The initial "t" is pronounced like "tuh", the "d" is pronounced like "duh", and the "r" is trilled. The first "a" is pronounced like "uh", while the second "a" is pronounced like "ah". The final syllable is pronounced like "siss". Get the spelling right with this handy guide!
Tadarida brasiliensis, commonly known as the Brazilian free-tailed bat, is a species of bat belonging to the family Molossidae. The species is native to the Americas, primarily found in the southeastern parts of the United States, Mexico, and throughout Central and South America. It is one of the most widespread and abundant bat species in its range.
These bats exhibit distinctive features characterized by their long tails that extend beyond the uropatagium, the membrane between the legs. They have a relatively small body size, measuring around 9 to 12 centimeters in length, with a wingspan ranging from 30 to 40 centimeters. The fur of Tadarida brasiliensis is generally dark brown or black in coloration, and their wings are specialized for high-speed flight.
The Brazilian free-tailed bat is highly adapted for aerial hunting, primarily feeding on insects such as moths, beetles, and flying ants. They have excellent maneuverability and agility, capable of flying at remarkable speeds, often exceeding 60 miles per hour. These bats are known for their communal roosting behavior, often forming large colonies consisting of thousands to millions of individuals in caves, buildings, or crevices.
Due to their integral role in controlling insect populations, Tadarida brasiliensis is considered ecologically important. They play a crucial part in agricultural pest management, reducing the need for chemical insecticides. Additionally, their guano (feces) is rich in nutrients and serves as fertilizer for plants and crops.
Although they are generally harmless to humans, these bats carry a small risk of transmitting diseases such as rabies. However, their invaluable ecological contributions make them an essential component of our ecosystem.
The word "Tadarida brasiliensis" has a Latin-based scientific naming convention known as binomial nomenclature, which was developed by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century.
In this particular case, "Tadarida" is the genus name, while "brasiliensis" is the species epithet. The genus name "Tadarida" is derived from the Persian word "tadary" (تدری), meaning "bat".
The species epithet "brasiliensis" is derived from "Brasilia", the Latinized form of Brazil, which is the country where Tadarida brasiliensis bats were first described. Therefore, it signifies that this particular species of bat was discovered in Brazil.