Barbastelle

/ˌbɑrbəˈstɛl/ noun

Definition

A small bat native to Europe and Asia with large ears and a flattened face, scientifically named Barbastella barbastellus.

Etymology

From French 'barbastelle,' probably related to its distinctive facial whisker-like features (French 'barbe' = beard), though some etymologists debate a Basque or other language origin. The formal taxonomic name perpetuates the folk etymology.

Kelly Says

Scientists named the entire genus 'Barbastella' after this one bat because of its weird face—it's so unusual that biologists literally classified an entire animal family based on its supposed resemblance to facial hair!

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