Phyllostomidae

The New World leaf-nosed bats (Phyllostomidae) are diverse bats found from southern North America to northern Argentina. They are ecologically varied, with most species being insectivorous, but some are true predators or frugivores, like the spectral bat (Vampyrum spectrum), which feeds on vertebrates. Their distinctive nose-leaf, which aids in echolocation, comes in various shapes and sizes depending on the species.

Phyllostomidae is characterized by a range of diets, including insectivory, frugivory, hematophagy (blood-feeding), nectarivory, and omnivory. The family likely originated around 30 million years ago and consists of 61 genera and approximately 227 species. These bats typically lack tails, have triangular ears, and range in size from 4 to 13.5 cm with a wingspan of up to 90 cm.

Dietarily, leaf-nosed bats specialize in groups like frugivores, nectarivores, insectivores, omnivores, and haematophagous bats. While they primarily consume specific foods, many will occasionally eat outside their main diet to meet nutritional needs, like proteins and fats, particularly when relying on fruits and nectar. Some species, particularly in the Desmodontinae subfamily, exclusively feed on blood, while others primarily consume plant materials or nectar.