Natalidae

The family Natalidae, or funnel-eared bats, ranges from Mexico to Brazil and the Caribbean. It includes three genera: Chilonatalus, Natalus, and Nyctiellus. These small bats measure 3.5 to 5.5 cm in length and have long tails and funnel-shaped ears, with fur that is brown, grey, or reddish. They primarily feed on insects and roost in caves.

Geographic changes have influenced species differences within this family. For instance, males of the Natalus species from Cueva La Barca exhibit longer tibias and larger skulls compared to females and have the largest body size in the genus when compared to the Greater Antilles.

Natalus bats prefer warm, humid caves, predominantly found in Cuba, although fossils mostly originate from there due to erosion. The loss of these hot caves has likely contributed to their extinction in many parts of Cuba.