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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.

Photo courtesy of Bat Conservation International
Photo courtesy of Bat Conservation International

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.

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Florida bonneted bat

The Florida bonneted bat is found nowhere in the world but South Florida.

Indiana bat

Indiana bats are a small insect-eating bats that live in North America.

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.