Mammals
Disk-winged Bat
Thyroptera tricolor · also called Spix's disk-winged bat
Clinging to the smooth inner wall of a tightly rolled young leaf with suction-cup-like disks on its wrists and ankles, a disk-winged bat settles in for the day, knowing it will need to find a fresh replacement leaf again within a day or two as this one unfurls.
Overview
The disk-winged bat, Thyroptera tricolor, is native to rainforest habitat across parts of Central and South America. Its suction-disk grip, single-leaf roosting habit, and need to relocate constantly as leaves unfurl make it one of the more specialised and logistically demanding lifestyles found among bats.
A home that is always about to disappear
Few animals build their entire daily shelter strategy around something as temporary as an unfurling leaf, forcing the disk-winged bat into a constant cycle of finding, occupying, and abandoning one rolled-up refuge after another.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable rainforest habitat throughout its range.
Disk-winged Bat: common questions
How does the disk-winged bat's suction disk work?
It carries small adhesive disks on its wrists and ankles that function like suction cups, letting it cling securely to the smooth inner surface of a rolled-up leaf.
Why does the disk-winged bat move roosts so often?
Its chosen rolled-up leaf naturally unfurls within a day or two, so a roosting group must regularly relocate to a freshly rolled replacement leaf nearby.
How do disk-winged bats find each other after foraging?
They use contact calls to help scattered group members locate each other and the current roost leaf when returning from a night of hunting insects.
Where is the disk-winged bat found?
It is native to rainforest habitat across parts of Central and South America.