What do bats eat, what do they eat in their natural habitat? Russian farmer

The most famous species and features of the life of a mammal

Fact:
The average speed of a bat is about 15 km/h, and during hunting it is 60 km/h.
Fact 2:
Bats do not build nests; they feed mainly in flight. It will take a mouse no more than an hour to catch a couple of hundred mosquitoes.
Fact 3:
There are 37 species of smooth-nosed bat in Russia.
Fact 4:
Vampire bats are classified as parasites and pose a threat to humans and their pets. Deadly infectious agents are transmitted through the bites of vampire animals.

This animal is the only mammal that nature has awarded with the ability to move through the air. Its presence can be found everywhere on the planet, except in the Arctic and highlands. These amazing creatures appeared 50 million years ago, and today more than seven hundred varieties of flying animals are known.

General information about bats

The animal belongs to the bats. This is an order of mammals in which the wings and forelimbs form a single unit. Mice have very long fingers, which serve as the frame for their membranous wings. This feature distinguishes them from birds. While birds can soar without moving their outstretched wings, bats are forced to constantly flap them. The average speed of movement is about 15 km/h, and during hunting it is 60 km/h.

The landing style of mice is also completely different from that of birds. In a short time they slow down and immediately take a vertical position, clinging to the surface with their tenacious paws, upside down.

Is it possible to keep a bat at home?

The bat is an extremely difficult pet. “And I want to fly!” It is impossible to ignore the animal’s desire (it will wither away), which means that it will be necessary to provide air space. This should be a free enclosure of sufficiently large size. You need to cover the floor with paper and clean it regularly, changing the bedding (animals defecate in flight).

But the main difficulty with the enclosure is not its size. The fact is that the body temperature of bats changes, this is due to their motor activity - it is different during sleep, rest and flight. The ambient temperature should change accordingly - several times during the day. For the digestive system of an animal to function, a temperature of 30…35°C is required.

To make the enclosure suitable for keeping your pet:

it should have several compartments with different temperatures, the compartments are separated by a stainless metal mesh with small cells and the edges are carefully sealed to avoid injury to the pet;

holes are made between the compartments so that the mouse can independently choose a comfortable temperature mode;

drinking bowls are required;

a compartment is needed for hibernation, which lasts 1.5 months - there should be a gradual decrease in temperature. Before hibernation, the animal is not fed for three days; 48 hours before going to bed, it is placed in a compartment evenly cooled to 3...5°C, and the animal’s condition is carefully monitored. If any deviations are noticeable, you need to move the mouse into a warm place, artificially interrupting winter sleep. In the first days, the awakened pet is hand-fed with formula milk and a small portion of regular food.

White bat

The tailless or Honduran white mouse has one of the smallest dimensions of the entire flying family, only up to 4.5 cm in the body. The animal’s ears are also small, its nose has an unusual shape and important functions: it is an echolocator, that is, it focuses and amplifies the signals sent.

The habitat of the white mouse is not limited to Honduras. She also lives in Central American countries (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama). For living, they use the heliconia plant, gnawing holes in it so that the hanging ends form a kind of umbrella. Diet: fruits.

They form families of 5-6 heads, but can also create numerous clans. They breed once a year. One female gives birth to only one calf.

Nutritional Features

There is no uniformity in the diet of bats - different species prefer different foods.
A huge number of bats are insectivores. They feast on small animals. A small number of them are fish-eating creatures. Several species are considered vegetarians, and only three species prefer to drink animal blood. Despite the difference in diet, bats, with the exception of vegetarians, catch prey in the same way. Flying over the ground, the predator emits ultrasound through its nose or mouth. When it is reflected from the victim, the mouse immediately catches the signal, falls silent and grabs the prey.

Insectivores

These bats eat insects, but not all. Some of them prefer to feast on mosquitoes and bugs, others prefer butterflies, and still others will happily snack on wood larvae and small spiders. Some of them are capable of eating up to 200 mosquitoes at a time. Mice hunt small prey independently or in small groups.

Insectivorous mice grab insects from the air. Ultrasound helps them locate the prey, and the mouse grabs it. Some species swallow the prey right there in the air, while others capture it with their wings, like a net. Still others use a tail membrane for fishing, which is formed into a kind of net.

Carnivores

These mice feed on small animals. Their appearance differs from bats, which prefer plant foods. Carnivorous predators have sharp teeth and a large body. Their diet is very diverse: small birds, lizards, mice (but not bats). A striking example of carnivorous bats is the largest bat in Europe, the giant noctule.

Insectivorous bats are very special creatures. Some kind of gut feeling helps them determine which frogs are poisonous and which are not. To date, not a single case has been recorded in which these predators made a mistake in their choice.

If hunting small animals fails, carnivorous mice may snack on insects, such as butterflies or beetles. Carnivorous mice hunt in the same way as their insectivorous counterparts. Their main difference is that carnivores cannot eat their prey in the air. Therefore, they dive on top of it, squeeze it with their wings and body, forming a kind of network, and then kill the prey.

Piscivores

There are only two species of fish-eating bats: the lesser and greater harelips. They live in South and Central America. These mice feast on frogs, lizards, and insects. But unlike their carnivorous counterparts, the harelips’ diet also consists of fish.

Observing these creatures, scientists came to the conclusion that harelips are not able to detect fish underwater. However, these animals react to the slightest fluctuations in moisture.

Fishermen hunt like this: with the onset of darkness, they fly to bodies of water and describe leisurely circles above it. Feeling the vibrations of the water, the predator rushes down. The hind paws of the mice touch the water, and the body floats above it.

In addition to the harelips, the Indian false vampire or the night bat can also hunt fish. Scientists still cannot explain such periodic changes in tastes.

Vegetarians

Amazing nature has managed to create bats that do not eat living things. They prefer to feed on fruits and nectar. But there are very few such varieties. Only fruit bats are considered vegetarians.

Representatives of the fruit bat family are also bats. However, they should not be confused with bats. The flying machines of these two animals are very different from each other. The body size of fruit bats is superior to their relatives, and their diet consists only of plant foods.

Among true bats, representatives of the leaf-nosed family periodically feed on fruits. Their menu includes nuts, flower nectar and fruits, many of these creatures are beneficial for plant pollination. Their main difference from fruit bats is that leaf-nosed bats can eat insects or lizards, and some are even omnivores.

Sunbird mice are very small creatures. With their appearance and habits, they are somewhat reminiscent of tiny hummingbirds. Little vegetarians fly up to the flower, hover over it, and lick the nectar with their long thin tongue. For the convenience of nectar hunting, bats can even climb into a flower.

Fruit lovers have an elongated muzzle, which is longer than that of carnivores. Vegetarian mice have undeveloped teeth.

Vampires

In the animal world, there are three species of bats that feed on blood. These are the white-winged, common and bushy-legged vampires.

Cinema often uses the image of blood-sucking bats in horror films. It's no surprise that these creatures strike fear into viewers. But small bat vampires do not “bleed” humans. However, they are quite capable of biting a biped in self-defense.

The body structure of vampires is “tailored” to the way they feed. Their nose is shortened and equipped with infrared receptors. The grooves of the lower jaw are very large, as are the incisors (the blood of the victim flows through them).

Vampires are the only species of bats that can move on the ground.

Vampires hunt like this:

Hog-nosed bat

This specimen is also called the bumblebee mouse. It was discovered in 1973, and its dimensions are even smaller than the Honduran white (body - 3.3 cm, weight - 2 g). This representative of the mouse bat family bears the title of the smallest.

In addition to its size, a characteristic feature of the animal is its nose, surprisingly similar to a pig’s snout. The ears are large, but there is no tail at all (in the only species of all bats).

Residence area: Thailand and a few neighboring territories. Settles in limestone caves and has group hunting skills. It does not fly further than 1000 m from its place of residence. They look for food in bamboo and teak thickets. It is not known exactly how this species reproduces, but it is assumed that pregnancy is singleton and no more than once a year.

How to get rid of bats in an apartment

if bats have settled on the balcony, the option of smoking is quite suitable;
use bags of mothballs. This smell will not only repel existing mice, but will also drive away new individuals;
One mouse in the apartment is not a problem at all. Open the window and close the door to this room. Soon the animal will fly out on its own;
For preventive purposes, detected cracks and window openings can be surrounded with fiberglass. This material irritates the skin of flying animals, so they will no longer enter your home.

Experience shows that many people, when they see a bat in their home, simply panic. According to mystical stories and films, many consider these animals to be terrible predators. As a rule, such people are unlikely to decide to get rid of Hymenoptera on their own. And if a whole family has moved in, they immediately turn to a special service for help. In large cities, there are organizations dedicated to expelling various parasites and pests from homes. But you need to remember that their services have a high cost. In doing so, they can lift floorboards, dismantle attics and other places where bats can hide. When contacting special companies, you need to be prepared to carry out such work.

Vechernitsa

One of the largest families of night shadows. It has 8 species with 13 subspecies. Inhabits the lands of North Africa and European countries. The largest bat of all bats. It can grow up to 50 cm. The animal settles in dense deciduous plantings and ignores open space.

Noctules fly out to hunt at dusk and in the predawn hours. They eat beetles and butterflies, but especially large individuals attack small birds. In addition to the largest sizes, they also have the fastest flight. Speed - 60 km/h at an altitude of 100 m. This species does not like frost, so it migrates to warm lands for the winter, covering about 1000 km. There may be two, rarely three cubs in a litter.

Methods for getting rid of bats

To begin expelling flying animals, you should make sure that they have actually settled in your home. After all, quite often a person only suspects about such a neighborhood, but does not see the uninvited guests. There are several signs of the appearance of bats:

squeaking and grinding of claws;
the presence of droppings that look like dark powder;
After dark, try to see mice. Determine where exactly they fly out to hunt.

If the home is inhabited by several individuals, try to find a place that they have chosen. As a rule, bats choose cracks in walls, attics, balconies, floorboards, and ventilation ducts.

Having discovered a gap or other place where bats have settled, it is enough to cover it with cement mortar. However, before this, you need to make sure that all the predators have gone hunting. Otherwise, you risk closing up the hole in which the animals remain. Soon they will die and begin to decompose, emitting a terrible smell. Having not found their usual secluded place, returning from hunting, the mice will have to go in search of a new home. If you find a whole family of animals, perhaps their shelter has several entrances.

You need to understand that the expulsion of predators should begin immediately after at least one individual has been discovered. After all, if a secluded place seems ideal to predators, a large family will soon settle here.

There are several fairly effective ways to control bats:

Physical. Of course, you can put on thick gloves and try to catch the only individual that accidentally flew into the apartment. But this option is unlikely to be suitable for expelling a large family of animals that have settled in a country house.
You can use glue traps and various traps. Also today there are many electronic traps that are triggered by the slightest vibration.
Electrical devices. Their work is based on the fact that light attracts many insects, which bats hunt for. Thus, the animal touches the grid, to which voltage is applied.
Poisoned baits. They can hardly be classified as humane methods of destruction. But if all else fails, this option will help you quickly get rid of pests. The main disadvantage of the poison is that after consuming the poison, the mouse is still able to move for some time. At the same time, she is able to climb into a hard-to-reach place and die there. If the animal's carcass cannot be removed, it is unlikely that the unpleasant smell of decomposition will be avoided.
Ultrasonic repellers. If you do not visit your country house for a long time, it is unlikely that traps or bait will protect it from flying mice. In this case, special devices will help that will scare away animals with ultrasound.

Flying fox and dog

So, and also a fruit mouse, they call a whole species of bats - fruit bats. In truth, the structure and development of fruit bats fits the description of herbivorous primates more than insectivorous flying creatures.

Families differ from each other in diet, wing structure, and sensory organs. Mice have echolocation, fruit bats have vision. The nickname “flying dog” or “flying fox” was assigned to mice because of their muzzle, which with its elongated shape resembles the muzzle of a dog or a red-haired cunning dog.

These are large animals: measuring up to 40-42 cm, and weighing almost up to a kilogram. The wingspan is up to 1.7 m. Despite their size, the animals are completely harmless, eating only fruit pulp and flower nectar. For which they received the nickname “fruit”. They sleep with their heads down. Moreover, on cold nights they use the wing as a blanket, and on hot days as a fan. They give birth to one cub per year.

They settle in large colonies among trees in tropical Asian countries (Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Laos, etc.). They are not found in our country. They can cause great damage to garden fruit plantations on farm lands.

What types can be kept at home?

Both bats and fruit bats (flying foxes) take root at home.
The former are insectivores, the latter eat fruit, so it is easier for them to organize food. Fruit bat or flying fox

Species differ in size, color, wingspan, length and shape of nose, teeth.

The muzzle of fruit bats is elongated and looks like a fox.

Now imagine, you accidentally found a bat that you think needs your help, or maybe your friend brought it to you. Where can you keep such an unusual pet? I would like to immediately note that

Smooth-nosed bat

There are more than 315 species in this mouse family. They do not differ in any special characteristics of appearance, they only have a smooth muzzle without cartilage growths. Distributed wherever there are trees. There are 37 species of smooth-nosed bat in Russia.

They remain awake at twilight or at night, hunting insects. Some species catch and eat fish. In winter they hibernate; only some subspecies fly to warmer climes. One litter brings 1-2 children, rarely they can bring 3-4.

Folk sign: if a bat flies into the house

There are folk signs and superstitions in the world. In case a bat flies into the house, there are different signs in different countries. These bats have always been considered terrible for people, instilling fear in them.

Let's look at the signs of different countries in the table if a flying creature has settled in the house:

In China	In Russia	Slavic peoples
If there are flying individuals, it means prosperity and wealth. Considered a symbol of health, longevity and prosperity	The sign will turn into good luck, protection from damage, the evil eye and a talisman against dark magic	The appearance of an animal in the house means misfortune, illness or death of a loved one. It was impossible to kill a mouse, otherwise you would shorten your life and bring death

Chiropterans choose environmentally friendly places for their home. Therefore, you should not panic if you see them in the house. This will be considered a positive sign, meaning a favorable atmosphere.

But in all cases, a rodent flying into the house will lead to serious and big changes. The main thing is to believe in good omens, and they will always come true.

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Ushan

The name says it all: these mice have large locator ears. When the animals sleep, they hide them under their wings. The wings are short and wide, thanks to which the animal flutters and can even hover for a short time. The sizes are small – 5-6 cm.

The habitat is extensive: from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific, northern Asian territories, North Africa. The diet consists of butterflies, mosquitoes, beetles and other nocturnal insects. The offspring is 1, less often 2 cubs per year.

Nocturnal

The short-eared mouse, also called the bat, is one of the subspecies of the smooth-nosed variety. It differs from other families of bats in its preference for complete darkness. Nocturnal bats fly out to hunt in the dead of night, when pitch darkness sets in.

This species of beautiful chiroptera is the most adapted of all to any living conditions, except for the Arctic cold. Therefore, it is distributed throughout the globe, except for the Arctic. Eats insects, gives birth to one, maximum two babies per year.

Horseshoe bats

These fliers got their name because of the horseshoe-shaped cartilaginous growth around their nose. This structure allows them to send echolocation signals through their nostrils. They live in the Eastern Hemisphere, “Russian” individuals inhabit only the territory of the Caucasus.

They begin hunting immediately after sunset and are most active in the first half of the night. Insectivores. The annual litter is only one cub.

Bulldog bats

This mouse tribe has special wings: narrow, long and pointed. This allows them to swing higher in flight. The body length is from 4 to 14 cm. They inhabit the tropics on both hemispheres of the globe.

They live in groups. Colonies can be several dozen, or up to a million animals. They have very intense echolocation and rapid movement in flight. The only one of all bat species that breeds 2-3 times a year. There is one baby per litter.

Features of keeping bats at home

Although bats quickly become tame and may respond to your attention with affection, living with them under the same roof is not easy. They are nocturnal and are awake from 11 pm to 7 am. At the same time, your bat will definitely disturb your sleep, inviting you to communicate with it.

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If you ignore the invitation to night gatherings, the animal may become depressed, get sick and die. Add to this the difficulties of equipping a comfortable and spacious enclosure, mandatory cleaning, which will not be easy (feces will be everywhere), the gluttony of bats - and you will understand that it is better for these creatures to live in Nature, and not with you under the same roof.

Video about bats

Today we talked about keeping bats at home, about where to place such an unusual pet, what to feed it, how to care for it. Have you ever encountered bats in everyday life? Would you get such a pet? We will be interested to know your opinion.

It is very difficult to create all the necessary conditions for a full life for this animal. You need to familiarize yourself with special literature before starting one. Skillful care can most often be organized only by biologists.

Conditions

Chiropterans are very sensitive to temperature fluctuations. A constant thermometer mark is uncomfortable for them and causes the rapid development of various diseases.

In nature, they fly from place to place in search of the most favorable microclimate - to digest food they need an ambient temperature of 30°C, while cooler air (20°C) is suitable for flying and sleeping. Therefore, you need to add or reduce the air heating in the room several times a day, or there will be several rooms with different temperatures inside and free access for pets.

Keeping these animals at home is quite troublesome and difficult.

In addition, animals love humidity, they will need several drinking bowls and air humidification with a special device during hibernation.

Room

A spacious enclosure or room is required in which bats can fly whenever they please. There should be no lighting in the sleeping area. The problem of changing the temperature is solved by dividing the home into compartments and installing heaters.

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Keeping animals outside is not suitable; in winter they will freeze and die.

In nature, they always hide in places where the air temperature is not too low and constant, and hibernate.

Feeding

Bats eat insects. Outside of hibernation, they have a very fast metabolism, which affects their appetite. It is necessary to prepare the necessary amount of food for them every day to satiate them.

You need to give food once a day, in the evenings, avoiding overfeeding. Excess nutrition will lead to sad consequences in the form of indigestion and obesity.

Choosing a diet for a bat kept at home is even more difficult than creating favorable conditions

Toilet

It is impossible to train an animal to go to the toilet in the same place. He fulfills his natural needs wherever necessary, more often during flights.

However, due to their sensitive sense of smell, bats are intolerant of an uncleaned enclosure floor. Their home should be cleaned frequently.

Usually the floor is covered with sheets of paper and newspapers, which can easily be replaced with new ones as they become dirty.

Walks

If there is enough space in the enclosure, the animal will not need to go outside. In the apartment, you should let him fly every day to stretch his wings.

The bat needs daily walks

To return to its home, the bat must be carefully caught. You can use a bright light that forces the animal to stop flying, a white fabric that attracts attention, or a spacious box.

To get as close as possible to natural conditions, it is worth helping a bat to hibernate once a year. To do this, it is transferred to where the temperature is lower. Hibernation is interrupted by moving back to a warm compartment.

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Vampires - bats

This type of mouse belongs to the category of parasites and poses a threat to humans and their pets. Deadly infectious agents are transmitted through the bites of vampire animals.

They feed on fresh blood of livestock and birds. Extreme hunger can force a person to attack. Echolocation is poorly developed, but there are excellent receptors with infrared radiation (helps to determine the most defenseless area on the skin) and a hearing aid. They inhabit the territories of South and Central America.

Species name	Description	What do they eat?
White (tailless)	— They have a length of up to 4.5 cm, small ears and an unusual nose; — live in Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua; — settle in the huge leaves of heliconia, forming a family of 5-6 individuals	Fruits
Vechernitsy	— Inhabit North Africa and European countries; - have large sizes (length 10-50 cm); — fly at a speed of 60 km/h; - live in deciduous forests	— Beetles; - butterflies; - small songbirds
Fruit (dogs or foxes)	— Live in the forests of Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Vietnam; - distinguished by an elongated muzzle; - the body reaches 42 cm, and the wingspan is 1.7-2 m; - settle in trees; - live in huge colonies	- Bananas; - papaya; - grapes; - coconuts
Smooth-nosed	- They have a smooth muzzle without any cartilaginous growths; - found in all countries where woody vegetation grows	— Insects; - fish
Ushany	- They have large ears; - distinguished by short and wide wings; - the body reaches a length of 5-6 cm; - found in Europe, Asia, North Africa	— Beetles; - butterflies; - mosquitoes
Horseshoe bats	- They have a cartilaginous growth in the area of the nose that resembles a horseshoe; — take off immediately after sunset; - hunt only in the first half of the night; - live in the Caucasus	Insects
Nightwomen	— Inhabit all countries and continents, except the Arctic; - fly out to hunt in complete darkness; - have a high degree of adaptability, can live in any conditions; - fly calmly and slowly	By night insects
Vampire	- They have weak echolocation; - have developed hearing; - have infrared receptors; - inhabit only South and Central America	Blood of birds and animals (sometimes they can drink blood from a sleeping or exhausted person)