False Vampire Bat

Quck answer

The False Vampire Bat, also known as the Ghost Bat, is a species of bat found in Central and South America. It is one of the largest bats in the world, with a wingspan of up to 1.5 meters and a weight of up to 250 grams. Despite their name, False Vampire Bats do not feed on blood like their vampire bat relatives. Instead, they primarily feed on insects, small mammals, and birds. They are also known for their distinctive vocalizations, which include low-frequency calls that are inaudible to humans. False Vampire Bats are considered a species of least concern, with stable populations throughout their range.

Wild Animals

False Vampire Bat, also known as Vampyrum spectrum, is the largest bat in the New World and the only species in its genus. Its common name is misleading as it doesn’t drink blood but feeds on rodents, birds, and occasionally insects, as well as other bats. The bat captures mice by pouncing and breaking their neck, back, or skull. Similarly, it grasps birds by the beak and crushes their skull with its teeth. After capturing its prey, the bat takes it to a roost to eat.

Unlike most bats, False Vampire Bats pair-bond and the male has been observed folding its wings around the female and young while nesting by day, presumably to aid in heat retention. They usually roost in small groups, in hollow trees or snags.

The species is seriously threatened due to habitat destruction.

Animal Facts

Name: False Vampire Bat (Vampyrum spectrum)

Family: Phyllostomidae (New World Leaf-Nosed Bats)

Range: Southern Mexico to Peru and Brazil; Trinidad

Habitat: Tropical forest

Diet: Other bats, birds, rodents, and possibly some fruit and insects

Head and Body Length: 5 to 5.3 inches (12.5 to 13.5 cm)

Forearm: 4 to 4.3 inches (10 to 11 cm)

Weight: 5 to 7 ounces (150 to 200 g)

Life Cycle: Little is known; in captivity, one young born in June

Description: Brown fur; leaf-shaped nose; long, pointy teeth; large ears; no tail

Conservation Status: Lower Risk (Near Threatened)

Major Threat(s): Habitat loss

What Can I Do?: Visit the Bat Conservation International and the Organization for Bat Conservation for information on how you can help.

Related Content: Safari Special — Top Bat

FAQ

1. What is a False Vampire Bat?

A False Vampire Bat is a species of bat that belongs to the Megadermatidae family. These bats are found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia. They are also known as the Ghost Bat because of their pale coloration.

2. How big can False Vampire Bats grow?

False Vampire Bats can grow up to 13 cm in length and have a wingspan of about 60 cm. They weigh between 100 and 150 grams. They are one of the largest species of bats in the world.

3. What do False Vampire Bats eat?

False Vampire Bats are carnivorous and feed on insects, small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They have strong jaws and teeth that allow them to feed on larger prey than most other bat species.

4. Are False Vampire Bats dangerous?

False Vampire Bats are not dangerous to humans. They are generally shy and avoid contact with people. However, they can carry diseases like any other wild animal, so it is important to avoid handling them.

5. How do False Vampire Bats navigate in the dark?

False Vampire Bats use echolocation to navigate in the dark. They emit high-pitched sounds that bounce off objects, and they use the echoes to locate their prey and avoid obstacles.

6. What is the lifespan of False Vampire Bats?

The lifespan of False Vampire Bats is not well known, but they are believed to live up to 20 years in the wild.

7. Do False Vampire Bats have any predators?

False Vampire Bats are preyed upon by owls, snakes, and other large predators. They also face habitat loss and fragmentation, which threatens their survival.

8. Do False Vampire Bats hibernate?

False Vampire Bats do not hibernate, but they may enter a state of torpor during periods of food scarcity or extreme weather conditions.

9. Are False Vampire Bats endangered?

False Vampire Bats are not currently considered endangered, but some populations are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts are needed to protect their habitats and ensure their survival.