Barbastel

/ˈbɑrbəstɛl/ noun

Definition

A small European bat species with distinctive large ears, also spelled barbastelle.

Etymology

From French 'barbastelle,' of uncertain origin but possibly related to 'barbe' (beard) due to the bat's facial features, or from an onomatopoetic or indigenous name. The word entered English through French naturalist vocabularies.

Kelly Says

The barbastelle bat is one of Europe's rarest bats, and it's named for features that look like a tiny beard—but the real cool part is they use echolocation so sophisticated they can catch insects mid-flight in complete darkness by listening to echoes!

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