Macrotus californicus

9.9

A grey bat with very large ears that lives in southern California and northwestern Mexico

noun

Specialized

: Macrotus californicus

The Macrotus californicus is easily recognized by its oversized ears and greyish fur.

Examples

Unlike most other bats in the region, the Macrotus californicus prefers rocky desert areas.
Researchers in Baja California are studying the habitat of Macrotus californicus to help conserve its population.
The Macrotus californicus is known for its large ears.
Have you ever seen a Macrotus californicus in the wild?
Researchers in Baja California are studying the habitat of Macrotus californicus to help conserve its population.
The Macrotus californicus is easily recognized by its oversized ears and greyish fur.
Unlike most other bats in the region, the Macrotus californicus prefers rocky desert areas.

Surface Forms

Macrotus californicus singular

Macrotus californicuses plural

Morphology

Macrotus + californicus

This is a Linnaean binomial combining the genus name 'Macrotus' (a group of large-eared bats) with the Latin adjectival epithet 'californicus' (meaning 'from California' or 'Californian'). A learner who knows both constituents can directly infer it denotes the Macrotus species native to California, so the meaning is compositional and transparent.

Etymology

Macrotus californicus comes from its look and home: macro means 'large' and otus means 'ear', so picture a grey bat with very big ears. The last part, californicus, points to 'California', so the name helps you remember this large-eared bat from that region.