Mammals
Greater False Vampire Bat
Megaderma lyra · also called Indian false vampire bat
Hanging in the dark of an old temple roof, a greater false vampire bat swivels its giant joined ears toward a rustle on the floor, then drops on a frog.
Overview
The greater false vampire bat, Megaderma lyra, is a Least Concern carnivorous bat found in India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia. Its huge ears, leaf-shaped nose, and habit of eating frogs, birds, and other bats make it one of the most formidable bat predators in Asia.
Not a vampire at all
Despite the name, this bat does not drink blood; it is a predator of small animals that carries its meals to a perch.
Status
Least Concern, widespread across a large range.
Greater False Vampire Bat: common questions
Does the greater false vampire bat drink blood?
No, it eats animals such as large insects, frogs, lizards, birds, small rodents, and other bats, and belongs to a different family from the true vampire bats.
How does the greater false vampire bat find prey?
It uses hearing as well as echolocation to find prey, often taking it from the ground.
Where does the greater false vampire bat roost?
It roosts in caves, old buildings, and other dark places, often in groups.
Where is the greater false vampire bat found?
It lives in India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia.