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Glite Dictionary
Myotis velifer

Myotis velifer

9.9
A small bat that lives in caves and similar places in the southwestern United States
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Myotis velifer
  • The Myotis velifer is often observed roosting in large colonies within limestone caves.

Examples

  • Researchers recorded the flight patterns of Myotis velifer to better understand its nocturnal behavior.

  • The Myotis velifer is often seen roosting in caves.

  • Unlike many other bats, Myotis velifer prefers habitats with abundant water sources nearby.

  • Have you ever spotted a Myotis velifer in the wild?

  • Researchers recorded the flight patterns of Myotis velifer to better understand its nocturnal behavior.

  • The Myotis velifer is often observed roosting in large colonies within limestone caves.

  • Unlike many other bats, Myotis velifer prefers habitats with abundant water sources nearby.

Synonyms

cave myotis
vsMyotis velifer
  • Specialized
9.9

A small bat with large ears that lives in caves in the southwestern United States and Mexico

is the scientific name and mentions only the southwestern United States

Surface Forms

Myotis velifer singular
Myotis veliferi plural

Morphology

Myotis + velifer

This is a Latin binomial (genus + specific epithet) used as a proper name for a species; the specific word 'velifer' is not a transparent English word and the compound does not follow ordinary English composition rules. Even if a learner knew 'Myotis' = a bat genus, they would not be able to derive the full meaning (a particular small cave-dwelling bat of the southwestern US) from the parts, so the expression is effectively opaque to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Myotis velifer comes from Greek and Latin words that give a clear picture. Myotis means 'mouse-eared' and velifer means 'sail-bearing', so imagine a small, mouse-like bat with a big, sail-like wing or tail, and that image helps you remember this cave-dwelling bat.