Vampiro falso de linneo

The spectral bat is one of an estimated 18 species of bat which are monogamous. Additionally, it is one of two known species of bat where the males provide parental care, the other being the yellow-winged bat. Males have relatively small testes—as a monogamous species, there is not generally sperm competition, so males can save energy by producing less sperm. It is a seasonal breeder, with females giving birth at the end of the dry season or the beginning of the rainy season. The litter size is one individual, with offspring called "pups." The mother is reportedly very attentive and gentle with her offspring. The male is often in attendance as well and will frequently sleep with both the female and their young completely wrapped up in his wings. The extent of natural depredation upon spectral bats is unknown, but spectral bat remains were once documented in a western barn owl pellet in Oaxaca, Mexico. Spectral bats roost in singly or in small colonies of up to five individuals in hollow trees. An examination of one colony of five individuals consisted of an adult male and female, a nursing pup, and a juvenile male and female. The juvenile male was estimated to be six months old; he was presumed to be the older offspring of the adults, while the female was also possibly their offspring. Though it was initially believed to only roost in trees, it was first documented using a cave as a roost in 2008. Its average lifespan is unknown; however, it is believed that the same individual roosted in a cave from 2008 until at least 2016 based on a unique ear pigmentation, making lifespans of at least 8 years possible. In captivity, one adult individual of uncertain initial age was maintained for 5.5 years.

Vampiro falso de linneo es un mamífero carnívoro que se alimenta principalmente de vertebrados de tamaño pequeño y mediano. En su dieta predominan los murciélagos, las aves y los roedores, con suplementos periódicos de insectos. Excepcionalmente, vampiro falso de linneo puede consumir también otras especies de murciélagos más lentos.

Vampiro falso de linneo es un murciélago de gran tamaño que pesa hasta 135 gramos y tiene una envergadura de hasta un metro. Su distintiva nariz en forma de cuchilla, sus grandes y fuertes mandíbulas y sus afilados dientes enmarcan su rostro. Su pelaje corto y aterciopelado es uniformemente marrón oscuro o carbón, más claro en la parte inferior del vientre. Tiene orejas anchas y redondeadas y unos ojos excepcionalmente grandes que reflejan el color naranja bajo la luz. Al ser un murciélago, exhibe unas alas prominentes y alargadas y carece de cualquier forma de cola.

Vampiro falso de linneo o murciélago espectral, muestra un comportamiento de búsqueda de alimento nocturno único. Este depredador solitario utiliza su aguda ecolocalización para cazar especies de aves, demostrando agilidad aérea. Socialmente, tiene uniones monógamas en pareja con territorios exclusivos, defendidos agresivamente por los machos. Adaptado a entornos forestales, reside en huecos de árboles durante el día.