Diphylla ecaudata Spix, 1823

Taxonomic Similarity

Diphylla ecaudata Spix, 1823 is similar in appearance to the common vampire bat.

Ear, Thumb and Eye Traits

It differs from the common vampire bat in having broad, short ears; a short thumb without a pad; and large, shiny eyes.

Dentition

It also has more teeth than the common vampire bat: 26 teeth total, compared to the common vampire bat’s 18, and its dental formula is 2.1.1.2 / 2.1.2.2.

Brain Size

Additionally, its brain is smaller in mass than that of the common vampire bat, reaching only two-thirds the size by mass.

Uropatagium and Tail

Its uropatagium is narrow and very furry, and as its species name ecaudata indicates, it has no tail.

Fur Coloration

The fur on its back is dark brown, while the fur on its ventral surface is lighter in color.

Fur Texture

Its fur is soft and long.

Nose-leaf Trait

Compared to other leaf-nosed bats, its nose-leaf is greatly reduced in size.

Weight

This species weighs 24–43 g (0.85–1.52 oz).

Head and Body Length

Its combined head and body length is 75–93 mm (3.0–3.7 in).

Forearm Length

Its forearm measures 50–56 mm (2.0–2.2 in) long.

Tongue Features

Unlike Desmodus and the white-winged vampire bat Diaemus, it has no lingual grooves under its tongue.

Palate Groove

However, it does have a groove along the roof of the mouth that may function as a "blood gutter".

Geographic Range Extent

This species has a wide geographic range, found across Central and South America.

Documented Range Countries

It has been officially documented in Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.

United States Record

One single individual has ever been recorded in southern Texas, United States.

Texas Record Details

This individual was a female found near Comstock, Texas in 1967, inside an abandoned railroad tunnel.

Range Extension Significance

This record placed the individual approximately 700 km (430 mi) north of the previously documented northern edge of the species’s range.

Altitudinal Range

Its altitudinal range spans 0–1,900 m (0–6,234 ft).