There are two species of medium-sized bats in this family, the lesser New Zealand short-tailed bat and the greater New Zealand short-tailed bat.
They have long, pointed snouts; large ears; short, pointed tails; and grayish-brown fur. New Zealand short-tailed bats have a unique sleeve-like membrane that they fold their wings into when they are not in use! They have strong rear legs that end in long claws. They are good walkers and forage for insects on the ground! They also catch insects in flight and eat some fruit and pollen.