Falso vampiro

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.

Falso vampiro è un mammifero carnivoro che si nutre principalmente di vertebrati di piccole e medie dimensioni. La sua dieta è dominata da pipistrelli, uccelli e roditori, con un'integrazione periodica di insetti. Eccezionalmente, falso vampiro può consumare anche altre specie di pipistrelli più lente.

Falso vampiro è un pipistrello di grandi dimensioni che misura fino a 135 grammi con un'impressionante apertura alare che raggiunge 1 metro. Il suo caratteristico naso a lama, le grandi e forti mascelle e i denti affilati gli incorniciano il volto. La sua pelliccia corta e vellutata è uniformemente marrone scuro o carbone, più chiara sul ventre. Ha orecchie larghe e arrotondate e occhi eccezionalmente grandi che riflettono l'arancione alla luce. Essendo un pipistrello, presenta ali prominenti e allungate e manca di qualsiasi forma di coda.

Falso vampiro Il pipistrello spettrale presenta comportamenti notturni di foraggiamento unici. Questo predatore solitario usa la sua acuta ecolocalizzazione per cacciare specie di uccelli, dimostrando agilità aerea. Socialmente, ha un legame di coppia monogamo con territori esclusivi, difesi aggressivamente dai maschi. Adattato agli ambienti forestali, risiede nelle cavità degli alberi durante il giorno.