Mormopterus: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

The Bat genus Mormopterus in the Mammal Order Chiroptera belongs to a group commonly referred to as Free-tailed bats. It was once included in the genus Tadarida but has since been proven genetically distinct.

This genus is currently in a state of on going study as to its true affinities within the rest of the Molossidae, but as it currently stands, it contains two subgenera, one Australasian containing four species, the other wide ranging group with six species including the western side of South America as far south as northern Chile, Cuba, Sumatra, South Africa and East Africa including Madagascar within its far flung range.

They are as a group somewhat smaller in size in comparison to the majority of the family though still have the long, narrow wings for fast direct flight, very characteristic of this family though some of the Australian species can also scurry after prey on the ground, which is quite unusual behaviour for such aerial animals.

There are ten species within two subgenera:

• M. acetabulosus (subgenus Mormopterus)
• M. doriae (Mo.)
• M. jugularis (Mo.)
• M. kalinowskii (Mo.)
• M. minutus (Mo.)
• M. phrudus (Mo.)
• M. beccarii (subgenus Micronomus)
• M. loriae (Mi.)
• M. norfolkensis (Mi.)
• M. planiceps (Mi.)