Why do bats have featherless skin between their front and back legs?

Bats don't have feathers at all. They are mammals, not birds. The skin between their front and back legs is called the patagium. This is a membrane of skin that stretches between the bat's limbs and allows them to fly.

Here's why the patagium is important:

* Flight: The patagium acts like a wing, capturing air and generating lift. It's a crucial part of their anatomy that allows them to navigate and maneuver in flight.

* Maneuverability: The patagium can be adjusted by muscles, allowing bats to control their flight direction and speed.

* Stealth: The patagium's thin membrane helps bats fly silently, making them effective hunters.

So, while bats may look like they have feathers between their legs, they actually have a specialized skin membrane called the patagium that is essential for their flight.