Definition of Microchiroptera in English:


  • A major division of bats which comprises all but the fruit bats.

    • ‘An additional explanation for the absence of either mode in Microchiroptera is their reliance on echolocation, and their need to maintain regular sensory input.’
    • ‘The two suborders of bats, Megachiroptera and Microchiroptera, use different sensory modalities for perceiving their environment.’
    • ‘There are two major groups of bats, usually given the rank of suborders, Megachiroptera and Microchiroptera.’
    • ‘The other major group of bats, the Microchiroptera or microbats, is quite ecologically diverse.’
    • ‘The bats with which most people are familiar belong to the Microchiroptera.’


Modern Latin (plural), from micro- ‘small’ + Greek kheir ‘hand’ + pteron ‘wing’.