FAMILY EMBALLONURIDAE (SHEATH-TAILED OR TOMB BATS)

Identification

Tail protrudes from dorsal surface of tail membrane

Glandular sac present on forearm (well-developed in some adult males)

Plain nose and mouth

Large eyes

Flat, triangular-shaped head

Tragus present

Food

Moths, beetles, other small insects, occasionally butterflies

Roosts

On outside walls of buildings, tree trunks, rock crevices, sometimes caves

Number of species worldwide: 48 (Old and New World)

Number of species in Southern Africa: 3

Tomb bats found in KZN

Mauritian tomb bat  -  Taphozous mauritianus

Egyptian tomb bat  -  Taphozous perforatus