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
Macrophyllum macrophyllum
Long-legged Bat
(Schinz, 1821)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A unique, small phyllostomid bat distinguished by its exceptionally long legs and forearm. It has a small leaf-nose and dark brown to blackish fur.
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.Macrophyllum
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Schinz, 1821)
Record Completeness
95%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.
Spring
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
Inhabits lowland tropical forests, often found roosting in caves, culverts, or hollow trees near water bodies.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Nocturnal. It performs low-altitude flights over water to catch aerial and aquatic insects.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Typically roosts in small colonies.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Aerial insectivore (trawling specialist).Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Insectivore: specializes on Diptera and other insects associated with water surfaces.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Limited data, but exhibits seasonal reproductive patterns tied to prey availability.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
5.0 - 6.5 cm
Weight (Grams)
8 g - 15 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).No
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).
100 - 130
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 5 Years
Females3 - 5 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Extremely long legs and large uropatagium allow it to forage for insects very close to the surface of the water.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Disturbance of roosting sites and loss of riparian habitat due to deforestation and water pollution.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
This species is unique among its family for its specialized trawling behavior, similar to fishing bats.