Phyllostomidae Archives

Phyllostomidae - New World Leaf-Nosed Bats

There are around 174 species of small to large-sized bats in this family. They are found from the Southwestern United States south to South America and the Caribbean.

They have long ears and short, broad wings. Some species have tails, and most species have a noseleaf. In most species, the noseleaf is spear-shaped.

The species in this family come in a variety of colors and patterns, and most species don’t walk.

The diet of the species in this family can include insects, fruit, pollen, and nectar.

They nest in colonies in trees, caves, buildings, or under bridges.

Mexican Long-Tongued Bat
(Choeronycteris mexicana)

The Mexican long-tongued bat's tongue is 1/3 of its body length. It is found in El Salvador; Guatemala; Honduras; Mexico; and in California, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico in the United States. IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened
Hairy-Legged Vampire Bat
(Diphylla ecaudata)

The hairy-legged vampire bat is found from southern Texas to South America. ICUN Redlist Status: Least Concern
Velvety Fruit-Eating Bat
(Enchisthenes hartii)

The velvety fruit-eating bat is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. There is a single record of it appearing in Arizona. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
Greater Long-Nosed Bat
(Leptonycteris nivalis)

The greater long-nosed bat, also known as the Mexican long-nosed bat, is found in Texas and Mexico. IUCN Redlist Status: Endangered
Lesser Long-Nosed Bat
(Leptonycteris yerbabuenae)

The lesser long-nosed bat is found is found near cacti, usually living in caves in huge groups. It is found in Arizona, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened
Californian Leaf-Nosed Bat
(Macrotus californicus)

Californian leaf-nosed bats usually use their sense of sight (rather than echolocation) when they are foraging for food. They are found in Mexico and southern Nevada and southern California. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern