Chiroptera: Bats

Infraclass: Placentals

Family: Molossidae (Free-tailed Bats)

The Molossidae family consists of all the free-tailed bats, whose bony tail extends from the tail membrane. They are insectivorous, which means they catch their prey in mid-flight.

Pictured: Tadarida brasiliensis (Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat)

Family: Vespertilionidae (Vesper Bats)

Vespertilionidae, also known as “evening bats,” form the largest family in the Chiroptera order with over 407 species. They feed primarily on insects, with the exception of the pallid bats who often feed on scorpions and other large prey.

Pictured (Top left to right, Bottom left to right): Lasiurus cinereus (Hoary bat), Lasionycteris noctivagans (Silver haired bat), Eptesicus fuscus (Big brown bat), Antrozous pallidus (Pallid bat)

Banner image (left to right): Tardarida brasiliensis (Brazilian free tailed bat), Antrozous pallidus (Pallid bat), Lasiurus cinereus (Hoary bat), Lasionycteris noctivagans (Silver haired bat), Myotis yumanensis (Yuma myotis)