Definition

Noun 1. A type of fruit bat: A bat of the genus Nyctimene, characterized by having nostrils that are elongated into distinct, diverging tubes.

Usage

The term "harpy bat" is a specific common name used in zoology and biology to refer to these particular bats. It is typically used in scientific, educational, or wildlife contexts. * The researcher documented a colony of harpy bats in the rainforest canopy. * Unlike other fruit bats, the harpy bat has a very distinctive facial structure.

Advanced Usage

• The name "harpy bat" is derived from the bat's genus name, , and its distinctive tubular nostrils, which may be likened to the features of the Harpies of Greek mythology. It is primarily used as a countable noun.

Variants and Related Words

• Tubed-nosed fruit bat: Another common name for bats of the genus , describing the same physical characteristic.
• Nyctimene: The scientific genus name for this group of bats.

Synonyms

• Tubed-nosed bat: A direct descriptive synonym.
• Fruit bat (of the genus Nyctimene): A more general term specifying the genus.

Notes on Meaning

• The defining characteristic of the harpy bat is its unique nasal morphology. The term specifically points to this anatomical feature rather than behavior or size.
• It is important to distinguish "harpy bat" (genus ) from the unrelated "harpy eagle," which is a large bird of prey.

Noun

1. any of various fruit bats of the genus Nyctimene distinguished by nostrils drawn out into diverging tubes