Thank you for your patience while we retrieve your images.
Taken 14-Mar-13
24 of 57 photos

Proboscis Bats

The Proboscis Bat (Rhynchonycteris naso) is a bat species from South and Central America. Other common names include sharp-nosed bat, Brazilian long-nosed bat and river bat in English. It is monotypic within its genus. This species is in the family Emballonuridae, the sac-winged or sheath-tailed bats.

The coloring of this bat’s fur makes it hard to see during the daytime and nighttime.
The proboscis bat prefers to roost in groups of between five and ten individuals, although these groups can hold up to forty bats. It is nocturnal, a trait typical to bat species. However, its sleeping habits differ from those of other bats. These bats will line up in a row, nose to tail, when resting and sleeping during the day. Typically, these bats will forage for food in one area close to the roost, usually an area with abundant water. Using echolocation, they will feed on a diet comprised of insects.

The proboscis bat is able to breed year round, and will form harem groups when mating. One pup is typically born, and after two through four months, the weaning process is complete and the father and the mother will separate. Although they do not often fall prey to any creature, they can be hunted by the Argiope savignyi, a large spider.