AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Phyllostomus hastatus
Greater Spear-nosed Bat
(Pallas, 1767)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large, robust bat with a prominent spear-shaped nose leaf, dark brown to black fur, and a distinct throat sac in males.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Chiroptera
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Phyllostomidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Phyllostomus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Pallas, 1767)
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits tropical rainforests, gallery forests, and agricultural lands; roosts in hollow trees, caves, or buildings.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Nocturnal; highly intelligent, omnivorous species with a social structure based on harems.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Highly social, living in large harems led by a single dominant male.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Generalist omnivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Omnivore: consumes insects, fruits, nectar, pollen, and sometimes small vertebrates.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Polygynous; males maintain harems and engage in complex social interactions to defend their group.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
9.0 - 12.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
60 g - 120 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 1
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
12 - 18 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
3 - 4
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males5 - 8 Years
Females5 - 8 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are larger and possess a prominent gular sac used for scent marking.
Females Multi-lang
Females are smaller and lack the developed gular sac found in males.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Large body size enables efficient flight over long distances for food; complex vocal communication for social bonding.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and persecution by humans viewing them as agricultural pests.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They demonstrate cooperative foraging behavior, where individuals use vocal cues from others to locate food sources.