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Glite Dictionary
Molossidae

Molossidae

9.9
A family of bats called mastiff or free-tailed bats with strong bodies and long tails
  • noun
  • /məˈlɑːsɪˌdeɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Molossidae
  • Many Molossidae species have robust bodies and long tails that extend beyond their tail membranes.

Examples

  • Scientists discovered a new species within the Molossidae family in South America.

  • The Molossidae are known for their swift flight and loud vocalizations.

  • Many Molossidae species have large, forward-facing ears and a distinctive tail.

  • The Molossidae family includes several species of bats.

  • Many researchers study the Molossidae for their unique adaptations.

  • In tropical regions, the Molossidae family of bats plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations.

  • The research on Molossidae has revealed their distinctive flying patterns and vocalizations.

Synonyms

free-tailed bat
vsMolossidae
1 8.5

A small bat that flies fast, eats insects, and has a tail sticking out past the skin between its wings

is a broader scientific group of related species with robust bodies and long tails

Surface Forms

Molossidae singular
Molossidae plural

Morphology

Molossidae = Molossus (opaque) = Moloss + idae

Formed with the technical taxonomic suffix '-idae' attached to a Latinized genus stem; this construction is specialist and not derivable by an average B1 learner.

Etymology

The word Molossidae comes from the old Greek name Molossus, a strong, big dog, plus the ending -idae, which means 'family' in animal names. People named these bats after the dog because they are sturdy and powerful like a mastiff, so Molossidae is the 'mastiff' family of bats.