People are going crazy over vampires and werewolves right now. This craze that’s happening right now over them isn’t a new thing at all. Every few years or so, something comes up that is going to renew the interest into vampires. This has been the case ever since the idea for the vampire entered into our popular culture. That happened when the greatest vampire book of all time was published. I’m talking about Dracula by Bram Stoker. This book really started it all and it should be standard reading for anyone who claims to have a liking for vampires. Even after more the a hundred years after it was published the book can still be a great read.
Like I said that started it all. You can say that everything about vampires in connection with modern culture can be traced to that book there. There is one idea though that did not originate in Stoker’s book and that is the connection of bats with vampires. That’s because there are actual vampire bats.
Vampire Bats- These animals have a diet of blood making and they share that trait with very few animals. There are three species of the vampire bats that are known right now. First there is the common vampire bat, the hairy legged bat and then then the white winged one. All three species are native to the Americas and they range widely through the two continents. All three species are more similar to each other than they are to any other bat species which indicates that they share a common ancestor that evolved from other bat forms.
Appearance- Unlike bats that feed on fruits, vampire bats have short muzzles. Their ears and tails are much more shorter when compared to regular bats. Their teeth are much smaller when compatred to with other bats.
How Does a Vampire Bat Protect Itself?- Vampire bats have developed special traits that they are able to use in searching for food and for protection and for searching for food. For example they have developed thermo receptors at the tip of their nose which they use in order to search for the places in the body of animals for the places where blood is flowing closest to the skin. Just imagine how sensitive those receptors are in order for it to determine the difference in skin surface. This trait is actually shared by these bats with snakes that has the capability to detect infra-red. Their hearing too, which is well developed in all bats is very well developed allowing them to hear the breathing of other animals.
Another trait that vampire bats can use for protection is their ability to move over land. While other bats have totally lost this ability, they have developed this form of movement that is very unique and quite fast. They can use it for searching and stalking their prey as well as for protection.
As you can see these little creatures are just as fascinating as their larger cousins and what’s more their real.