Which bat’s name indicates its unique lack of a tail?

The Mexican Free-tailed Bat derives its name from its distinctive anatomical feature of having a tail that extends beyond the tail membrane, giving it a free-tailed appearance. Unlike other bats, the Mexican Free-tailed Bat's tail is not fully encompassed by the membrane that stretches from its body to its tail, which is a unique characteristic. This adaptation allows for greater speed and maneuverability during flight, particularly when foraging for insects at higher altitudes. The name effectively highlights this notable feature, making it immediately recognizable compared to other bats, which may have different tail structures or fully contained tails.

In contrast, the Evening Bat, Little Brown Bat, and Red Bat have different tail configurations or do not possess the same defining characteristics that relate to their tail structure, which is why they do not carry “free-tailed” in their names.