Thyroptera is a genus of bat that is found in South and Central America. The word is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription [θaɪˈrɒptərə]. The first syllable is pronounced with the "th" sound, represented by the symbol θ. The second syllable begins with the vowel sound "ai", followed by the "r" sound. The third syllable has the vowel sound "o" and the final syllable ends with the "tərə" sound. Pronouncing the word correctly can assist in identifying and studying these fascinating bats.
Thyroptera is a genus of small bats belonging to the family Thyropteridae. These bats are commonly known as disk-winged bats due to a distinctive characteristic they possess - the presence of a small adhesive disk on each wing. The adhesive disks are located close to the wrists and provide these bats with remarkable adhesive capabilities.
Members of the genus Thyroptera are found in Central and South America, primarily inhabiting lowland rainforests. They are known for their small size, with body lengths ranging from approximately 4 to 7 centimeters (1.5 to 2.7 inches) and a weight of only a few grams. Their wingspans are usually between 20 and 25 centimeters (8 to 10 inches).
These bats are nocturnal and insectivorous, feeding primarily on small flying insects like mosquitoes and flies. Their adhesive disks enable them to roost on smooth surfaces like leaves, which is a unique behavior among bats. They are excellent climbers and can cling to various objects, allowing them to snatch insects mid-flight.
Thyroptera bats are relatively social creatures and are known to form small colonies, usually consisting of a male and several females along with their offspring. Reproduction occurs throughout the year, with females typically giving birth to a single baby after a gestation period of approximately 3 to 4 months.
Due to their specialized wing morphology and notable behaviors, Thyroptera bats are of interest to scientists and researchers studying the fields of biomechanics, animal behavior, and ecology.
The word thyroptera comes from Greek. It is a combination of two Greek words: thyreo meaning shield or buckler, and ptera meaning wing. When combined, thyroptera can be translated as shield-winged or having wing-like shields.