Rhinonycteridae

Rhinonycteridae is a family of bats within the suborder Yinpterochiroptera, with the type species being the orange nose-leafed Rhinonicteris aurantia found in northern Australia. This family is characterized by the morphology of the rhinarium and the unique nose-leaf features. Molecular analyses have identified distinct genetic markers in this group.

Unlike other genera found in Africa and Madagascar, Rhinonicteris is endemic to Australia. Fossil evidence suggests that the family radiated from terrestrial origins, possibly dispersing by island hopping. The family’s arrival in Australia coincides with that of Brachipposideros nooraleebus, both believed to have migrated from Europe and Asia around 15 to 20 million years ago.