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Common tube-nosed bat - NYCTEMENE ALBIVENTER
Possibly Endangered
Class: Animals with Milk Glands (Mammalia)
The Name "Bat": "Bat" comes from Old Norse "ledhrblaka," "leather flapper." It became "bakka" and then "bat."
Description: Of medium size, a robust fruit bat with large, rounded head; large eyes; prominent, long, tubular nostrils extending sideways; short tail. Fur soft and long, gray-brown above, darker along mid-back and on spinal stripe; underparts yellowish white; neck and sides tinged with yellow-orange; wings and ears speckled with irregular yellow spots. Length of head and body about 3.2-3.5 in, forearm 2.2-2.4 in; weight up to 1.6 oz.
Location: Moluccas, New Guinea, Admiralty and Solomon Islands; Cape York peninsula, Australia.
Habitat: Tropical forests.
Behavior: Ten species of tube-nosed bats are recognized, of which 2 inhabit the rain forests of northeastern Australia. By day these bats roost singly on tree trunks or hanging from branches, well concealed by their protective coloration. The spots on the wings and ears look like splattered enamel paint and are sometimes chartreuse, a color common to tropical vegetation. At night tube-nosed bats feed on soft fruits and nectar, while either hovering in front of the blossoms or climbing among flower clusters. Their peculiar nostrils may be an adaptation to their feeding habits or may function in sound production. The nasal tubes stretch and vibrate when the bat utters its high whistling call in flight.
Reproduction: Unknown.
Go to the Bats Page to get a general discussion of this flying mammal.
Go to the Bats Index to study the other bats included in America Zoo.
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