What Is Megachiroptera?
Megachiroptera is a former suborder of bats that included the large fruit bats known as megabats or flying foxes. These bats are part of the Pteropodidae family and are found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. Unlike many smaller bat species, megabats depend mostly on their sharp vision and keen sense of smell to navigate and find food.
How Megachiroptera Was Classified
Traditionally, bats were divided into two suborders: Megachiroptera (megabats) and Microchiroptera (microbats). However, modern research has reclassified them based on genetics. Today:
- Megachiroptera species now belong to the suborder Yinpterochiroptera.
- Microchiroptera species are split into Yangochiroptera.
Even though the old classification is outdated, the term “Megachiroptera” is still widely used to refer to large fruit-eating bats.
Key Characteristics of Megachiroptera
- Large Size: Many megabats have wingspans over 1 meter; flying foxes are the largest bats in the world.
- Excellent Vision: They navigate mostly by sight, even at night.
- Frugivorous Diet: They feed primarily on fruit, nectar, and flowers, aiding in pollination and seed dispersal.
- Tree Roosting: Megabats often sleep in large colonies in trees during the day.
Why Megachiroptera Matters
Megabats play a crucial ecological role in tropical ecosystems. By pollinating plants and spreading seeds over long distances, they help maintain forests and support biodiversity. Many species are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and climate change, making conservation efforts essential.
The Simple Takeaway
Megachiroptera refers to large fruit bats—megabats that rely on vision and smell, and play important ecological roles in pollination and seed dispersal.