Tadarida is a genus of bats that are commonly known as free-tailed bats. The genus includes over 20 different species of bats, all of which are known for their distinctive tail structure. The name "tadarida" itself actually means "free-tail" in Greek. Although there aren't many direct synonyms for the term "tadarida," some other terms that might be used to describe these bats include "nocturnal flyers," "insectivores," and "microbats." Free-tailed bats are known for their excellent flying and echolocation abilities, and they play an important role in many ecosystems as insect predators. Despite their many beneficial qualities, however, some species of free-tailed bats are currently at risk due to habitat loss and other challenges.