How Many Mosquitoes Can a Bat Eat?
WouterSeveral studies have shown that bats can eat a significant amount of mosquitoes in a short period of time. This is an important fact to know because mosquitoes are often the culprits of diseases and are known to transmit malaria in the tropics.
One commonly referenced study claims that a single bat can eat ten mosquitoes a minute. However, this claim was made in enclosure experiments. The scientists conducting the research did not have an actual understanding of the natural conditions in which a bat would be hunting, and this is the reason they did not perform a real test.
Several social media posters have also made similar claims. They said that a bat could eat up to 10,000 mosquitoes a night. But, there are few scientific studies to back these claims.
There are about forty species of bats in North America. A few of these species don’t eat insects at all. In fact, some researchers believe that mosquitoes make up as little as 3 percent of bats’ diet.
In addition to consuming mosquitoes, bats can also eat other bugs. A common bat in the United States and Canada is the little brown bat. This species is a common visitor to gardens in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is also common in the northern United States.
According to a study conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the little brown bat can eat up to hundreds of mosquito species a night. In addition, these mosquitoes are easily captured, making them easier to eat.
