What distinguishes solitary bats from colonial bats?

Solitary bats are characterized by their preference for living alone, which is the key distinction from colonial bats that often form large groups or colonies for roosting, feeding, and social interactions. This solitary behavior can be related to various ecological and behavioral adaptations, such as reduced competition for resources and lower risks of disease transmission that can occur in larger groups.

While it is true that some solitary bats may be observed in warmer climates, their solitary nature is not determined by climate but rather by their behavioral patterns. Hibernation habits can vary among bat species, but not all solitary bats necessarily hibernate in caves, as this behavior can also differ based on species, environmental conditions, and available roosting sites. Therefore, the defining trait of solitary bats is their inclination to prefer living alone rather than in large colonies.