Definition

Noun: A type of bat belonging to the suborder Microchiroptera, characterized by typically having large ears and feeding primarily on insects. They are found worldwide. This term distinguishes them from fruit-eating bats (megabats).

Usage Notes

The term "carnivorous bat" is a common name used in biology and zoology to describe insect-eating bats. While "carnivorous" technically means meat-eating, in this specific context, it primarily refers to a diet of insects. It is often used in contrast to "frugivorous bat" (fruit-eating bat).

Examples

• The carnivorous bat uses echolocation to hunt moths at night.
• Most of the bats found in temperate regions are carnivorous bats.
• The study focused on the hearing range of various carnivorous bats.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in ecological discussions about food chains and pest control, as these bats consume large quantities of insects.
  • Farmers appreciate the role of the carnivorous bat in controlling crop pests.

Variants and Related Words

• Microbat (n): The more precise scientific term for this suborder of bats, often used interchangeably with "carnivorous bat" in informal contexts.
• Insectivorous bat (n): A more specific and accurate term for the majority of these bats, highlighting their insect-based diet.

Synonyms

• Insect-eating bat
• Microchiropteran (scientific)

Antonyms

• Frugivorous bat
• Fruit bat
• Megabat (scientific term for the suborder Megachiroptera)

Noun

1. typically having large ears and feeding primarily on insects; worldwide in distribution