Horseshoe bat

/hˈɔːsʃuː bˈat/

/hˈɔːɹsʃuː bˈæt/

[noun]

Horseshoe bat

[NOUN]

a unique bat species known for its distinctive horseshoe-shaped noseleaf and echolocation abilities

What is a "horseshoe bat"?

The horseshoe bat, also known as the Rhinolophidae, is a group of bats characterized by their horseshoe-shaped noseleaf, which is used for echolocation. They are found in various regions of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, and are known for their remarkable adaptation to hunting insects in complex environments. Horseshoe bats have unique wing morphology, sophisticated echolocation capabilities, and specialized feeding behaviors, making them highly adapted to their ecological niches. Some species of horseshoe bats are also known for their elaborate mating rituals and social behaviors, making them fascinating creatures to study in the wild.

any of numerous bats of the family Hipposideridae of northwest Africa or Philippines or Australia having a horseshoe-shaped leaf on the nose

Examples

1. When some Swiss towns installed new streetlamps, the European lesser horseshoe bat suddenly vanished, because, scientists think, they were outcompeted by all the more light-tolerant pipistrelle bats that moved in to hunt insects drawn to the light.