Britannica
Sources used in this answer
What is the purpose of the membrane between a batās hind legs?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
bat
Livingstone's fruit bat (Pteropus livingstonii) in flight.
The membrane extending between a batās hind legs is known as the uropatagium, or interfemoral membrane.12
Its primary purpose is to assist in the capture and handling of prey. Many bats use this membrane to secure large prey caught in flight; by flexing their neck and back, they bring the membrane forward to tuck the victim inside, allowing them to take hold of the prey headfirst to disable it promptly. Additionally, the structure of the tail and this membrane can vary among species, serving as adaptations related to their specific feeding, flight, and roosting habits.23