Mexican Long-Nosed Bat
Leptonycteris nivalis
Background
The Mexican long-nosed bat is one of three nectar-eating bats in the U.S. and Mexico, feeding on nectar, pollen, and fruits of flowering desert species like agave and cacti. These migratory bats primarily live in Mexico and are only found north of the border from June-August. They are currently listed as endangered in both the United States and Mexico.
Current Threats
- Loss of food resources like agave
- Loss and disturbance of roosting sites
- Climate change
How You Can Help
- Plant agave
- Protect slow-growing desert species
- Spread the word about Bat Week!
Fun Facts
This species has a long tongue about the same length as its entire body, which it uses to access nectar deep within desert flowers.
These bats hover in front of plants just like hummingbirds do in order to feed on nectar.
The Mexican long-nosed bat is the largest nectar-eating bat species in the Americas.
Faces of Bat Week
Townsend's big-eared bat
Townsend's big-eared bats are a charismatic species with marvelously large ears and prominent, bilateral nose lumps.
Northern long-eared bat
The northern long-eared bat is a species of bat native to North America. There are no recognized subspecies.
Mexican long-nosed bat
The Mexican long-nosed bat is federally endangered and relies on nectar from agave to make long migrations through Mexico and the southwest United States.