Mammals
Proboscis Bat
Rhynchonycteris naso · also called long-nosed bat, sharp-nosed bat
Lined up head to tail along a branch overhanging a quiet stream, a small group of proboscis bats blends almost perfectly into the bark behind them, their long pointed noses and mottled fur giving away almost nothing to a passing predator.
Overview
The proboscis bat, Rhynchonycteris naso, is a small insect-eating mammal native to wetland and rainforest habitat across a broad range extending from Mexico through Central America and much of South America. Its distinctive long nose, tidy head-to-tail roosting lines, and bark-like camouflage make it one of the more visually understated yet distinctive small bats found anywhere in the Neotropics.
A bat that hides in plain sight
Rather than tucking away in caves or hollow trees, the proboscis bat roosts out in the open on exposed branches over water, relying entirely on its bark-like fur pattern and neat, motionless lineup to avoid drawing the attention of predators.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable wetland and rainforest habitat throughout its broad range from Mexico through South America.
Proboscis Bat: common questions
Why is the proboscis bat named that?
This species has a notably long, pointed nose that gives the species both its common name and a distinctive silhouette compared with most other small insectivorous bats found across its wetland and rainforest range.
How does the proboscis bat roost?
This species roosts in tidy, evenly spaced lines along branches, tree trunks, or fallen logs, typically arranged head to tail rather than clustered together, often directly over or very close to the water it forages over each night.
How does the proboscis bat avoid predators while roosting?
This species has mottled grey-brown fur that closely resembles the texture and colour of tree bark, providing effective camouflage while it roosts out in the open on exposed branches over water.
Where does the proboscis bat live?
This species is native to wetland and rainforest habitat across a broad range extending from Mexico through Central America and much of South America, typically found roosting and foraging close to calm streams, rivers, and ponds.