The atalleph, νυκτερίς, “night bird,” is the animal well known as the bat: it was in the law forbidden to be eaten (Lev. 11:19; Deut. 14:18).
There are several species found in Palestine: they inhabit the tombs and caves, and are familiar with darkness. Where there are many the effluvium from them is very noisome. Their habitation becomes a fit emblem of darkness and offensiveness, a place to which men will cast their idols of gold and silver when Jehovah arises to deal with the earth (Isa. 2:20).
Egyptian Fruitbat