According to Scholastic.com, there are nearly 1,000 species of bats in the world; approximately 40 species live in North America. Bats comprise 1/4 of all mammal species on Earth. Due to the vast variety of bat species, they are also varied in size. Bats are divided into two categories: Megachiroptera---large bats; and Microchiroptera---small bats.

Bat Size

In general, bats range in size from 1.14 inches in length, 0.07 ounces in weight, to 22 inches long and approximately three pounds.

Wingspan

A bat's wingspan is often used to determine its overall size. The smallest bats have a wingspan of about one inch long, and large bats of approximately six feet long.

Bumblebee Bat

The Bumblebee Bat is the smallest bat in the world. It is 1.1 to 1.3 inches long, weighs approximately 0.07 ounces and has a wingspan of 6.7 inches.

Giant Flying Fox

The Giant Flying Fox is the largest bat species. It weighs 3.3 pounds, is 22 inches long and has a wingspan of approximately six feet.

United States Bats

Bats that live in the United States vary in size from less than three grams to 70 grams. The largest United States bat is the greater mastiff bat, which can be found from central California south into Mexico. Its wingspan is approximately 22 inches.

Fun Facts

Bats are the only mammals that can propel themselves into flight. Bats benefit the ecosystem by eating insects and pollinating plants. Bats cannot see color; however, they are not blind. Their night vision is better than humans' and they can navigate in the dark using echolocation.

Source:

Defenders of Wildlife

The Animal Files

Spectacular Planet

Resource:

All About Bats

Spotlight on Bats