Definition

Noun: * Family Vespertilionidae: A taxonomic family of bats, commonly known as vesper bats or evening bats. This family represents the largest and most widespread group of bats, comprising the majority of common bat species found in temperate regions across the world. Members of this family are typically characterized by their plain faces, lack of elaborate nose-leaves, and their use of echolocation calls emitted through the mouth.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The little brown bat, a common species in North America, belongs to the family Vespertilionidae.
  • Scientists are studying the evolutionary history of the family Vespertilionidae.
  • With over 400 species, family Vespertilionidae is incredibly diverse.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic hierarchy: The term is used in the formal, scientific classification of organisms. It sits at the family rank, below the order Chiroptera (bats) and above various genera (e.g., , ).
  • The specimen was definitively placed within the family Vespertilionidae based on its cranial morphology.

Variants and Related Words

• Vespertilionid (noun or adjective): A member of the family Vespertilionidae; pertaining to this family.
  • The study focused on the foraging behavior of vespertilionid bats.
• Vesper bat (noun): A common name for bats in this family.
  • Most vesper bats are insectivorous.

Synonyms

• Vesper bats (common name)
• Evening bats (common name)

Related Phrases

• Member of Vespertilionidae: A phrase used to describe an individual species or specimen belonging to this family.
  • The pipistrelle is a well-known member of Vespertilionidae.

Noun

1. the majority of common bats of temperate regions of the world