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Glite Dictionary
Microchiroptera

Microchiroptera

9.9
Bats that mostly eat insects and use sound to find prey
  • noun
  • /ˌmaɪkroʊˈkaɪrəptərə/
  • Archaic
translation icon : Microchiroptera
  • Unlike fruit bats, Microchiroptera use echolocation to navigate and hunt for food.

Examples

  • The majority of bat species belong to the Microchiroptera, which are primarily insectivorous.

  • The Microchiroptera suborder represents a diverse group of bats that play a vital role in controlling insect populations.

  • Many caves across Asia and Africa are inhabited by Microchiroptera colonies.

  • The Microchiroptera are fascinating creatures.

  • Many species of Microchiroptera use echolocation.

  • Many species of Microchiroptera are known for their sophisticated echolocation abilities, allowing them to hunt insects efficiently.

  • Insects form the primary diet of Microchiroptera, making them essential for maintaining ecological balance.

Synonyms

suborder Microchiroptera
vsMicrochiroptera
  • Archaic
9.9

A large group of bats that eat insects, not fruit

is the older scientific label for that same group
microbat
vsMicrochiroptera
8.2

A small flying animal with fur and big ears that eats insects at night

is a broader taxonomic grouping rather than one bat type

Compounds

suborder Microchiroptera
  • Archaic
9.9

A large group of bats that eat insects, not fruit

Surface Forms

Microchiroptera singular
Microchiropteras plural

Morphology

Microchiroptera = chiroptera (opaque) = micro + chiroptera

The word is scientifically formed with micro- plus the classical term chiroptera, but the base term is not transparent to most learners.

Etymology

The word Microchiroptera comes from Greek parts micro- ('small'), chiro- ('hand'), and -ptera ('wing'), and micro- is the same start you see in microscope. So Microchiroptera literally means 'small hand-wing', a helpful image to remember these are the small bats whose wings are like hands and who use sound to find insects.