Which Came First – Yoda or the Yoda Bat?
By Marcy Kennedy (@MarcyKennedy)
Just when we think every animal species in the world has been discovered, scientists find a new one.
In 2009, scientists Piotr Naskrecki and David Rentz traveled to Papua New Guinea’s Nakanai and Muller mountains, an area still relatively unexplored. Among the many creatures they discovered was what’s been colloquially dubbed the yoda bat thanks to its resemblance to Star Wars’ Yoda.
The yoda bat is actually a nyctimene tube-nosed fruit bat. Nyctimene is just the scientific classification meaning they’re a genus of “megabats” in the Pteropodidae family. (Incidentally, megabats aren’t necessarily big. It’s just another classification that refers to fruit bats, old world fruit bats, and flying foxes.) All megabats eat only fruit or nectar.
The yoda bat uses the tubes on its nose as snorkels so it can breathe while its face is stuck inside a piece of fruit.
I don’t know about you, but I think this bat should be officially named the Yoda Tube-Nosed Fruit Bat.
If you didn’t know the yoda bat had only recently been discovered, would you think it was the inspiration for George Lukas’ Yoda?
This has been an episode of my Unbelievable Real Life series, where I showcase weird creatures and offbeat places on our planet that seem like they should belong in a fantasy. If you’re not already a subscriber, be sure to sign up below for free emailed posts so you don’t miss the next feature.
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Feb 01, 2013 @ 12:21:28
I have to be honest, that is kind of creepy looking. I guess I am not a fan of bats. Although, I like fruit. Now you have me wondering, what does Yoda eat? 🙂
Feb 01, 2013 @ 16:07:28
Don’t really see it myself. Weird looking thing though 😀
Feb 01, 2013 @ 17:30:34
It looks a lot like Yoda! If they mixed that bat with a human, I’m pretty sure it would come out looking like Yoda. Fun!
Feb 01, 2013 @ 17:32:11
Makes me wonder if Lukas used some sort of bat as his inspiration 🙂
Feb 01, 2013 @ 22:04:47
Hey Marcy,
That’s one freaky creature. Maybe, I should feature him on Indy’s Fur Babies page. Indy did say, he’d include all furry creatures. LOL
Love it! 🙂
Tracy
Feb 02, 2013 @ 02:05:06
Well, now I am going to have nightmares about that things. Thanks so much Marcy. But, it does kind of look like Yoda who I think is adorable. haha.
Feb 02, 2013 @ 02:10:51
Hehe. He does look a little like Yoda crossed with a gremlin, which could be nightmare inducing…