Story: Bats

Wing of a long-tailed bat

Wing of a long-tailed bat

Bat wings consist of a thin elastic membrane of skin that extends from their hind legs and tail to their arms, and across to four elongated fingers. Bats can change the shape of their wings quickly by moving their fingers. This is why they can dart about in the air with ease. They use their thumbs for climbing, and walking about on the ground.

Using this item

Department of Conservation
Reference: 10031731

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Veronika Meduna, 'Bats - Bats in New Zealand', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/9747/wing-of-a-long-tailed-bat (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by Veronika Meduna, published 24 Sep 2007