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

7. Importance for the Ecosystem

Microbat

Microbats play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of insect populations. They lower the number of mosquitoes and also prey on many pests. Microbats are one of the few nighttime predators of insects in Europe. Their presence helps reduce the need for pesticides. So, the next time you spot a bat, think about their vital role in maintaining the balance of nature.

Grey Long-Eared Bat - Photo: Rudmer Zwerver/Shutterstock

Flying Fox

Flying foxes bats play an important role in their ecosystem. They pollinate flowers and distribute seeds. This is how they maintain biological diversity. Some plants cannot reproduce without flying foxes. If they didn't exist, plant species would die out.

Scientists made an important discovery about the straw-coloured fruit bat: they gather in large colonies and spread over 100,000 seeds each night. As a result, they “plant” trees in areas that have been deforested by humans.

Epauletted Fruit Bat - Photo: Shutterstock

• Table of Contents
• 0. Introduction
• 1. Number of Species
• 2. Anatomy and Appearance
• 3. Distribution and Habitat
• 4. Life Style
• 5. Diet
• 6. Senses and Abilities
• 7. Importance for the Ecosystem
• 8. Summary