Molossidae, from Greek μολοσσός (molossós), in reference to the fact that the snout of the members of this family resembles the Molossus ancient greek breed of dogs.

Common names of members

c

Distribution

In the New World, from the central United States south to southern Argentina. In the Old World, they occur in southern Europe and Africa, eastward through tropical and subtropical Asia to Australia.

Size

They range from 4 to 12 cm in length, excluding the tail, and can weigh from 8 to 220 g.

Morphology

They are usually gray, brown, or black in color, with some exceptions. The tail is usually best seen when resting. A special ring of cartilage slides up or down the tail vertebrae by muscular action to stretch or retract the tail membrane.

Habitat & Ecology

All terrestrial environments. While some species roost in small groups in hollow trees or rocky crevices, some cave-dwelling species form vast colonies of up to 50 million individuals.

Diet

They are insectivorous.

Reproduction 

Most bat species are polygynous, where one male mates with multiple females, but there are polygynandry systems too, where multiple males mate with multiple females. Females are responsible for most of the parenting care. Males responsible for feeding and protecting young. Newborn bats cannot fly so they stay in the dwell or climb on their mothers. Usually they can fly after 2-4 weeks.

Total species known

122

Species in the collection

1

Species in Hong Kong

1

References

Fenton, M. B., Simmons, N. B. (2015). Bats - A World of Science and Mystery. The University of Chicago Press.

Vaughan, T.A., Ryan, J. M., Czaplewski, N. J. (2000). Mammalogy. Saunders College Publishing.

Macdonald, D. W. (2006). The Encyclopedia of mammals. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acref/9780199206087.001.0001.

Skinner, J. D., Chimimba, C. T. (2006). The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion. New York: Cambridge University Press.