Many forms have glandular wing sacs that open on the upper surface of the wing. These glands secrete a red substance of strong odor. In the genus Taphozous a glandular mass is located between the lower jaws. In the members of this family the tail pierces the tail membrane, and its tip appears completely free on the upper surface of the membrane, the base of the tail being loosely enclosed in the membrane. Thus, in flight the tail membrane can be lengthened by stretching the hind limbs, the membrane then slipping quite easily over the tail vertebrae.
Most forms can steer and turn exceptionally well.
The hind legs are slender, and the foot is normal. The molar teeth have a W pattern of cusps and ridges. The dental formula varies. Shelters include rocky crevices, caves, ruins, houses, trees, curled leaves, and hollow logs. These bats are agile in their retreats, scrambling about with considerable dexterity and often clinging to vertical walls or crawling into crevices.