Chiropterans

Chiropterans, commonly known as Flittermice or Batfolk, are a species of humanoids native to Abexilas. They are found in the mountainous regions of Acreon, though small populations may rarely be elsewhere.

For many decades, Chiropterans were isolated from the outside world, with little to no contact with other species. However, since the expansion of other sapient species across Abex, they have begun to become more commonly seen outside of their colony-city.

Description
The appearance of individual Chiropterans varies wildly between individuals, with fur colour, height, and facial features strongly dependant on the specific subspecies, of which there are 2, Vesperian and Pteropian. Both variants possess the same general traits, with clawed digitigrade feet, winged arms, and bat-like heads. Fur colour and length vary from individual to individual, though most have dark fur and eyes, with lighter colours being far more rare. Many individuals possess longer hair on top of their heads, which can be styled much like the hair of hominid species.

Vesperian
The Vesperians tend to make up the bulk of the population. On average, they are smaller than Pteropians, standing between 2.5-4ft on average. While variation within the subspecies is very wide, they have several distinctive traits that separate them from the other subspecies, including a well formed aural tragus, comparatively smaller eyes, symmetrical dentation, and the second wing 'finger' appears to be bonded to the third with tissue for extra support during gliding. They tend to have a shorter snout with thinner teeth, small palates, and distinctive upper molars. Many have larger ears in proportion to body size, and all Vesperian Chiropterans are capable of using echolocation, eliciting ultrasonic waves via the larynx and emitted through the nose or mouth, which helps provide the individual with information about their environment. Vesperians tend to be more inclined to be insectivores and carnivores, though the diet is supplemented with fruit.

Pteropian
Pteropians are a less prevalent subspecies, standing between 3-5ft in height on average. They possess longer, more dog-like skulls and dentition, with simple snouts (unlike the highly modified snouts of some Vesperians), asymmetrical dentition (two upper and three lower incisors), and at least four molars, though they possess a more flattened crown. The aural tragus is absent, and the ears are proportionally smaller, with no ability to echolocate, though Pteropians have more developed vision and smell, with larger eyes than Vesperians.

Behaviour
Chiropterans inhabit the northeastern region of Acreon, within the mountain range that encompasses a substantial area of their land claim, with almost the entire population (excluding the rare individual who has left) residing in a singular colony, known as 'Where-Many-Live' in their own language. They are an extremely social and communal species, with the colony being a closely connected web of family groups and households.