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
Desmodus rotundus
Common Vampire Bat
(É. Geoffroy, 1810)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Desmodus rotundus is a medium-sized bat with extreme anatomical adaptations for hematophagy (blood-feeding). Its fur is short, coarse, and grayish-brown to dark in color. Its face is unmistakable: it lacks the typical leaf-shaped nasal fold of its family, having instead fleshy 'U'-shaped pads and thermo-receptors. Its lower jaw is short, and it possesses upper incisors and canines that are curved and razor-sharp for making painless incisions. It completely lacks a tail, and the uropatagium (membrane between the legs) is very reduced. Its forelimbs are unusually strong and possess a very long thumb, allowing it not only to fly but also to walk, run, and hop agilely on the ground—a unique ability among bats.
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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.Desmodus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(É. Geoffroy, 1810)
Record Completeness
85%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.
Carnivore
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
It is a highly adaptable bat that inhabits a variety of tropical and subtropical ecosystems, including wet rainforests, dry forests, and scrublands. It requires dark roosts such as deep caves, tunnels, abandoned mines, or hollow trees. Its distribution and abundance have been drastically favored by the introduction of livestock (cows, horses, pigs) in pastures, providing it with an endless food source. In Costa Rica, it is ubiquitous in rural and livestock areas on both slopes.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is strictly nocturnal. Contrary to myth, they do not 'suck' blood. They land silently on the ground near their sleeping prey (usually cows or horses), walk stealthily on all fours, make a small 3 mm cut with their incisors, and then lap up the free-flowing blood with their grooved tongue, consuming about 20-30 ml (half their weight) in half an hour.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Highly gregarious and social. They form colonies ranging from dozens to thousands of individuals. They maintain strong social bonds, engaging in mutual grooming and food sharing.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Sanguivore (Hematophagous).Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Hematophagous parasite. Feeds exclusively on the blood of medium and large mammals. It is preyed upon mainly by owls (like the barn owl), arboreal snakes that invade their caves, and occasionally by other carnivorous mammals if caught on the ground.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
They breed year-round. Gestation is surprisingly long for a bat of its size, lasting approximately 7 months (200-215 days). A single, well-developed pup is born, nursed with milk for the first month, and then mothers begin to regurgitate blood for them. Pups become independent and join the blood-sharing network at around 5 to 6 months of age.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
7.0 - 9.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
25 g - 45 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.
9 - 10 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
205 - 215
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males9 - 12 Years
Females9 - 12 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
They are usually slightly smaller than females.
Females Multi-lang
Slightly larger and heavier than males.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Nasal Thermoreception: It possesses infrared sensors on its nose and upper lip that allow it to detect thermal radiation emitted by areas of its prey's skin where blood vessels are closest to the surface.
Anticoagulant Saliva (Draculin): Its saliva contains a glycoprotein called draculin, which prevents the victim's blood from clotting, allowing the bat to lap up a constant flow of blood without the wound closing.
Dual-Function Kidneys: When consuming blood, its stomach fills quickly, which would make it too heavy to fly. Its kidneys process blood plasma almost immediately, causing it to urinate copiously while feeding. Later, back at the cave, the kidneys switch function and concentrate urine to the maximum to conserve water while digesting solid proteins.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Human Eradication: It is intensely persecuted and exterminated (often through vampiricide poisons or cave destruction) by ranchers, because it can transmit bovine paralytic rabies to farm animals.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Reciprocal Altruism: If a vampire bat fails to feed for two consecutive nights, it will starve to death. In the colony, bats that successfully fed will regurgitate blood to feed a hungry roost-mate, remembering who helped them in the past to return the favor.
Modern Medicine: Draculin, the anticoagulant present in its saliva, has been isolated and studied extensively in human medicine to create treatments for strokes and heart attacks.