An old English name for bats was flittermouse, which is similar to the name for bats in other Germanic languages.

Bats belong to the Chiroptera family, a name derived from modern Latin, combining chiro- meaning “hand” and Greek pteron meaning “wing.”

After rodents, bats are the second most common mammal species on Earth, comprising about 20% of all mammal species.

Contrary to popular belief, bats are not blind. They can see quite well, especially in low-light conditions.

Since there are many species of bats, their diets vary widely. Some eat primarily insects, others feed mostly on fruit, some consume nectar, and of course, vampire bats feast on blood.

Bat droppings, known as guano, are a highly potent fertilizer.

Bats are present in the vast majority of the world. The only places they do not inhabit are extremely cold regions, such as northern Canada, parts of Russia, and Antarctica.

Some bats can live up to 30 years.

Bats are the only mammals truly capable of sustained flight. Interestingly, the way they fly is more similar to how humans swim than to the way birds flap their wings.

Insect-eating bats have proven to be very valuable to humans, as they help reduce the need for pesticides and keep mosquito populations — and the threat of malaria — under more control.