Some Common Myths Thought to be True - Myth 41
Myth 41: Bats are Blind
Among 1,000 species of bats, only 3 feed on blood. This stereotypical image
is based on vampire stories.
Bats are often said to be blind, such as in the expression "as blind as a
bat," when in reality bats are not blind, but Microbats have poor visual
acuity. In contrast, some Megabats have very good vision.
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The United States is home to an estimated 45 to 48 species of bats. The three
most common species are Myotis lucifugus (little brown bat), Eptesicus fuscus
(big brown bat), and Tadarida brasiliensis (Mexican free-tailed bat). The
little and the big brown bats are common throughout the northern two-thirds of
the country, while the Mexican free-tailed bat is the most common species in
the southwest.
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