Bat Facts
For years, the mysterious lives of bats have presented challenges to scientists
and others trying to learn about them. The details of their lives are hidden
under the cover of darkness. Facts about them are not easy to discover. Why
aren't these bats found in Arizona and New Mexico during the winter months?
Where do they go—and why? Why do they return? For some facts that may
(or may not!) serve as clues to help you answer those questions, see:
After making your own range map and thinking about the facts on the Bat Chat page, you'll be able to answer that question like a scientist! Here?s how to make a Lepto range map, which is a map that shows the boundaries within which a species (in this case, the leptos, or lesser long-nosed bats) can be found.
Finding the answer is not as easy as you may think! Do bats? nutritional requirements change through the seasons? See:
Nectar is loaded with sugar--a carbohydrate that provides a lot of energy. But bats cannot live on sugar alone. Where do they get their protein? How are the lives of flowers good matches for their particular pollinators?
Is arrival of the bats at roosts along their migratory route timed with the flowering of their preferred food? You can find out! Compare locations on your Lepto range map with a blooming calendar of the most important nectar sources and facts about WHEN the bats were seen at each location. You?ll find out: Do Leptos follow a nectar trail?
Did you know that about every 4 out of 5 bites of food you eat is the direct result of bees and other animals pollinating those fruits and vegetables? Why are pollinators important? What pressures put these species in danger?
Make the link from flowers on plants to the food in your grocery store. One of the tools you?ll use for this adventure is a list of pollinator syndromes, which helps us make educated guesses about the pollinators that visit and pollinate particular flowers.
How much energy does it take to operate a bat? How many flowers must a bat visit to stay alive? Get ready to count the calories in a cactus flower. Then answer some high-powered questions:
Throughout the world, folklore is rich with tales speculating on how creatures as mysterious as bats came to be. Sample three fables:
Where can you find a bat? What should you record? What can you report to Journey North? Find out here:
Did you know that, when fully extended, a lepto?s tongue is longer than its head? Why is a saguaro flower a perfect fit for a lepto?s head? How do leptos find the flowers with only starlight to guide them? See a lepto?s face covered with pollen. Why does Katy wear gloves when working with bats?
Find out which three migratory pollinators you can meet in Journey North reports and see a map of their routes. Why are migratory pollinators important to you? Why is it important to protect them? How can you help?
How did Katy get interested in bats? What is she trying to find out in her field work? What techniques does Katy use to help her learn about these fast-flying, nighttime creatures? What do bats eat? What is the most important thing Katy has learned? Find out here:
See Katy's comments as you view clips like you?ve never seen before, and check out our suggestions for viewing video clips as a scientist.
Do big brown bats or little brown bats live in your area? They often nest in bat houses. You can build one and attract these mosquito-eaters to your yard. See plans here.
Tuttle, M.D. 1991. Bats, the cactus connection. National Geographic, vol. 179, no. 6, pp. 130-140.
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