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Any member of about 900 species (order Chiroptera) of the only
Their wings are evolutionary modification of the forelimbs, with greatly elongated fingers joined by a membrane that extends down the side of the body. Most bats use echolocation to orient themselves and find prey. Found worldwide, they are particularly abundant in the tropics. Wingspreads vary among species from 6 in. (15 cm) to 5 ft (1.5 m). Nearly all species roost during the day (in caves, crevices, burrows, building, or trees) and feed at night. Most are insectivores , consuming enough insects to affect the balance of insect populations. Others feed on fruit, pollen, nectar, or blood ( vampire bats ). Some may live more than 20 years. The guano of bats has long been used for agricultural fertilizer. See also free-tailed bat , fruit bat .
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[c mediumvioletred] (as used in expressions)
bat eared fox
free tailed bat
fruit bat
Masterson Bat
Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk
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