False vampire bat
A species of Vampyrum Scientific name : Vampyrum spectrum Genus : Vampyrum
False vampire bat, A species of Vampyrum
Scientific name: Vampyrum spectrum
Genus: Vampyrum
Content
Description General Info
Description
The spectral bat is the largest bat species native to the New World and the largest carnivorous bat in the world. The wingspan typically ranges from 0.7–1.0 m (2.3–3.3 ft). Its forearm length is 101–110 mm (4.0–4.3 in). Its body length is 135–147 mm (5.3–5.8 in) and its mass is 134–189 g (4.7–6.7 oz). Its wings, though large in an absolute sense, are short relative to its body size. The wings are wide, though, creating a large surface area. Its wingtips are rounded and almost squarish. The thumbs are long, at 21.4–22.2 mm (0.84–0.87 in). Each of its thumbs has a large, recurved claw that is grooved, similar to those of cats. Its back fur is reddish-brown, long, and soft, while its belly fur is shorter and paler. The forearm is furred on the half closer to the body, but naked on the half closer to the wrist and fingers. Its molars are narrow with W-shaped crests. While six of its molars have three cusps, as in many mammal species, the last upper molars are reduced to two cusps; they are much smaller than the other molars. The talonids (crushing surfaces) of the molars are small relative to their trigonids (shearing surfaces). The upper canine teeth are well-developed. Its dental formula is 2.1.2.32.1.3.3 for a total of 34 teeth. Its skull is narrow and elongated with a pronounced sagittal crest. Overall, its skull resembles a miniature canid or bear skull. Its nose-leaf is large, at 17 mm (0.67 in) in length. There is no discernible tail, but the uropatagium (tail membrane) is long and broad. Its legs are long, and the feet are composed of slender bones; each digit has a well-developed claw. The ears are large and rounded, at 39–42 mm (1.5–1.7 in) long. The brain is large relative to the body; at 1:67, its brain-to-body mass ratio is higher than that of cats and dogs. The cerebral hemispheres of the brain are extensively convoluted. The brain has well-developed olfactory bulbs and its cerebellum is the most ornamented and complex of any member of its subfamily. McDaniel described its corpus callosum and white matter as "exceptionally thick." 
General Info
Lifespan
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. 
Diet
False vampire bat is a carnivorous mammal that chiefly preys on small- to medium-sized vertebrates. Bats, birds, and rodents dominate its diet, with periodic supplementation by insects. Exceptionally, false vampire bat might also consume other, slower, bat species.
Appearance
False vampire bat is a large bat measuring up to 135 grams with an impressive wingspan reaching up to 1 meter. Its distinctive blade-like nose, large strong jaws, and sharp teeth frame its face. Its short, velvety fur is uniformly dark brown or charcoal, lighter on the underbelly. It has wide rounded ears and exceptionally large eyes that reflect orange in light. Being a bat, it exhibits prominent, elongated wings and lacks any form of tail.
Behavior
False vampire bat, or the spectral bat, exhibits unique nocturnal foraging behaviors. This solitary predator uses its keen echolocation to hunt bird species, demonstrating aerial agility. Socially, it has monogamous pair-bonding with exclusive territories, defended aggressively by males. Adapted to forest environments, it resides in tree hollows during the day.
Population
Decreasing
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Bats Family
Leaf-nosed bat Genus
Vampyrum Species
False vampire bat 
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