Page 108 - Atlas Of The World's Strangest Animals

108 ATLAS OF THE WORLD’S STRANGEST ANIMALS

Big Brown Bat

These hardy and wide-spread bats may be common, but they are far from

commonplace. Bats are the only mammals to truly master the art of flying, but
it’s their method of finding their way around in the dark that makes these furry
fliers really remarkable.

Key Facts ORDER Chiroptera / FAMILY Vespertilionidae
/ GENUS & SPECIES Eptesicus fuscus

Weight 14–21g (0.5–0.7oz)
Length 10–13cm (3.9–5.1in)
Wingspan: 4–5cm (1.6–2in)

Sexual maturity 1–2 years
Breeding season Autumn
Number of young 1–2
Gestation period 60 days

Breeding interval Yearly
Typical diet Beetles and other insects
Lifespan Up to 20 years in the wild

Feet
Bats’ fore arms and elongated
fingers form the framework for
their wings.Their feet remain
free to grip prey and roosts.

(c) 2011 Marshall Cavendish. All Rights Reserved.