BATS!

An introduction to the bat clan, from the 16-inch flying foxes to the one-inch Kitti’s hog-nosed bat.

Lukidis’ methodical descriptions of bat anatomy, behavior, select species, diets, and habitats adequately fill in the informational background, but the high-quality stock photos will likely prove the stronger draw here—even with the distinctly underwhelming close-up of a vampire bat lapping away at a nicked but antiseptically clean chicken toe. Featuring shots of the animals resting in natural settings and head-on views of them in flight, the pictures allow close examinations of creepy faces beneath huge ears and add plenty of visual impact to the overall message that these creatures merit study as both significant checks on insect populations and as indicator species that provide early signs of environmental changes. The author tucks in instructions for a homemade demonstration of echolocation, provides worrisome observations about habitat loss and the devastating effects of the fungal disease called white-nose syndrome, and concludes with ways of making a more bat-friendly backyard and a list of online and print resources.

A visually arresting addition to the shelf of bat books.