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Microbat vs. Flying Fox - What's the Difference?

1. Number of Species

BatNumber of species
Microbat 1.270
Flying fox 200

Microbat

There are around 1,270 species of microbats worldwide.

Distribution in the United States

In the northern United States, the little and big brown bats are most common, while in the southwest it is the Mexican free-tailed bat.

Distribution in Germany

In Germany, there are 24 species of bats. The big brown bat, common pipistrelle and daubenton's bat are particularly common in towns and cities. In the forest we meet the great noctule, the brown long-eared bat and the Nathusius' pipistrelle. Threatened species in this country include the greater and lesser horseshoe bats.


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Greater Horseshoe Bat Greater Horseshoe Bat - Photo: Rudmer Zwerver/Shutterstock

Flying Fox

There are around 200 species of flying foxes. Obviously, they aren't related to foxes. However, they have an elongated snout that resembles that of a fox. Interestingly, they have another name: fruit bat. This is because they mainly eat fruit. Since flying foxes live in Africa, Madagascar, Seychelles, Indian Ocean, Asia and Australia, their names are less known to us. There are short-nosed and long-tongued fruit bats. Perhaps a little more well-known: the straw-colored fruit bat.

Lyle's Flying Fox Lyle's Flying Fox - Photo: hit1912/stock.adobe.com


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