4.Bats Flight

Even the oldest fossil bats have wings, which show that they have always had the habit of flying. To do this, the previous extremity turned into wing. All 3 segments (arm, forearm and hand) were elongated and linked by a flying membrane. The hind legs are also made ​​up of 3 segments (thigh, leg and foot) also contained in the flying membrane, but without undergoing changes in size. The hind legs are also made ​​up of 3 segments (thigh, leg and foot) also contained in the flying membrane, but without undergoing changes in size. Bats can move on horizontal or inclined surfaces, even vertical they help themselves with the digit, which is equipped with a claw and toes.



The flying membrane - the patagium is a fold of skin, without hairs, but extended over the sides of the body. It makes flight possible because it connects the forearm of the lower limbs and tail. The joint allows movement of their limbs as in birds.
The flight speeds are achieved by Tadarida beasilinesis(100 km / h),Miniopterus schraibersii (70 km / h), Nyctalus noctula (50km / h). Bat flight is much like the birds of prey, because both can fly and attack in the dive.


Sensory Adaptation - sight, smell and hearing

The smell is best developed with the insectivore bats. Most bats are active at night and rest during the day. Therefore, the vision is developed, but it is not vital. They are supplied with the ability to orient through echolocation. Only the Megachiroptera miss this system.

Hearing is very fine. The Chiroptera can perceive both sounds (frequency between 16 - 20,000 Hz) and ultrasound (below 16 Hz).In fact, they perceive air vibrations produced by the activity of smaller creatures.

Echolocation is the process of locating an obstacle or object using the echo. During the flight, the Chiroptera are guided by receiving ultra sound even issued by them. The Rinolophidae emit sounds through the nose, the nostrils being provided with foliacee formations (layers) that are designed to focus the ultrasound beam and the ears are very mobile. The Vespertilionidae emit sounds through the mouth. Therefore they keep their mouth opened during the flight.