A family of small insectivorous bats characterized by a tail that runs through the wing membrane, found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions.
From Greek em- (in) + ballein (to throw) + oura (tail) + -idae (family suffix), literally meaning 'those with tails thrown inward,' describing the unusual tail positioning.
These bats are unique among mammals for their family-based social living structures—some species roost together for years with the same mates, which was only discovered recently through DNA research on wild populations.
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