Megabats vs. Microbats - What’s the difference?
First off, it’s important to remember that mega/microbat is no longer a way bats are classified. They aren’t generally used scientifically, but they’re still useful terms for describing bats, hence why they’re still around.
Also, please keep in mind these two things: 1, I am not a biologist!! I am just an autistic kid who knows a lot about bats and wants to infodump. 2, these are general differences. Most of these have exceptions, which I may or may not point out.
So, what are some main differences?
Size. Megabats and microbats were initially named for their larger/smaller size which is generally correct, however this isn’t always true. While megabats are typically bigger, around 1/3 of species weigh less than 50g. Similarly, microbats can be fairly big. It’s important to note that species such as the great flying fox (Pteropus neohibernicus) and kitti’s hog-nosed bat (Craseonycteris thonglongyai) are not representative of their respective families.
Echolocation. Bats are well-known for their ability to echolocate, however this actually only applies to microbats. They use a method called laryngeal echolocation, creating sounds such as squeaks and clicks in the vocal chords and then listening back for the echo. A few megabats use primitive echolocation methods, however this isn't standard.
Eyes & ears. Microbats are often known for their large ears, which they often need in order to listen bakc for echoes. Microbat ears often have a tragus, which helps with echolocation. Additionally, microbats have small eyes, as they rely on echolocation to detect their surroundings. Megabats, on the other hand, have simple ears lacking a tragus, as they don't echolocate. Megabats also typically have very good eyesight at low light and larger eyes than microbats.
Uropatagium & tails. Microbats usually have long tails surrounded by a large area of uropatagium (membrane around the hind legs), which megabats typically lack. This is because microbats need to be much more agile to chase insects in flight.
Diet. Microbats are usually insectivores, and some larger species may also be carnivorous, eating frogs, small mammals, and fish. Megabats are are almost entirely frugivorous, with some also being nectarivores.
Activity. Bats are typically represented as nocturnal, which is generally true for microbats. Megabats, however, are far more diverse; yes, many are nocturnal, but there are also many crepuscular and diurnal species. Both micro and megabats roost in a range of environments and can roost alone or in huge colonies.
Those are the main differences!! I hope this was as interesting to read as it was to write :>
