Macroderma malugara facts for kids

Macroderma malugara was an ancient bat species whose fossils have been found in Australia. Its name means 'good killer' in a local Aboriginal language. This bat was similar in size and hunting style to today's ghost bat (Macroderma gigas). Macroderma malugara lived in rainforests and hunted many different animals. These included birds, turtles, small crocodiles, and even other bats!

Discovering the Macroderma malugara Bat

Who Discovered This Ancient Bat?

The Macroderma malugara bat was first described by an Australian scientist named Suzanne Hand. She officially named and described this new species in 1996. She placed it in the same group, or genus, as the modern ghost bat. This group is called Macroderma.

What Does Its Name Mean?

The special name malugara comes from the Wanyi language. This is an Aboriginal language spoken by people in Australia. In their language, 'malugara' means 'good killer'. This name fits well because the bat was a skilled hunter!

Where Were Its Fossils Found?

The very first fossils of Macroderma malugara were found at a place called the Gotham City Site. This site is part of the famous Riversleigh World Heritage Area in Australia. Riversleigh is known for its amazing fossil discoveries.

How Is It Related to Other Bats?

Macroderma malugara belongs to a family of bats called Megadermatidae. These bats are also known as false vampire bats. It is part of the larger group of bats called Microchiroptera, which are often called microbats.

What Did Macroderma malugara Look Like?

Size and Appearance of the Ancient Bat

Macroderma malugara was about the same size as the modern ghost bat. However, scientists could tell them apart by looking closely at their teeth. The teeth of Macroderma malugara had some unique features.

How Its Face Changed Over Time

Scientists noticed that Macroderma malugara had a slightly longer face than some later false vampire bats. Over millions of years, the faces of these bats became shorter. This change helped them bite down with more force. A shorter snout meant stronger jaws for hunting prey.

Where Did Macroderma malugara Live?

Fossil Finds at Riversleigh

Fossils of Macroderma malugara have been found in the Riversleigh area. These fossils come from a time period called the middle Miocene. This was many millions of years ago.

Evidence from a Bat's Home

The place where the first fossils were found, the Gotham City Site, was likely a feeding roost. This is like a home base where bats bring their food. Scientists found many different animal bones there. Some of these animals were not found living nearby. This suggests that Macroderma malugara flew long distances to catch its prey. It then brought the food back to its roost to eat.