Bat (Books)

Bats are flying mammals mentioned briefly in the How to Train Your Dragon Book series.

Description
Bats - Order Chiroptera - are flying mammals. Their method of flying evolved independently from other flying creatures such as birds or insects. Bats' wings are actually modified forelimbs, on which their fingers have elongated and have skin stretching in between them. Many bat species are nocturnal and most species prey on insects. A few species will prey on vertebrates or eat plant material.

Function
Bats are mentioned in the Book series as a metaphor to describe other creatures.

In reality, bats are a very important part of their ecosystems, mainly by keeping insect populations in check. Bats are eaten by some cultures but not extensively.

Appearances
The hunting dragons of the Hairy Hooligan Tribe novices are compared to bats, when they flee a sinking ship.

"Abandon ship!" shrieked Fireworm, and thirteen dragons rose into the air like gigantic bats."

- Book 2