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
Glossophaga soricina
Pallas's Long-tongued Bat
(Pallas, 1766)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Glossophaga soricina is a very small bat with a delicate build. Its most distinctive feature is its elongated and narrow snout, specifically adapted for reaching into the corolla of tubular flowers. It has a small nose-leaf at the tip of its snout and an extraordinarily long and extensible tongue, the tip of which is covered in tiny brush-like papillae, perfect for mopping up nectar. Its fur is soft and ranges from pale brown to dark brown or reddish. Its wings are short and broad, giving it exceptional maneuverability in tight spaces and the ability to hover in mid-air just like a hummingbird.
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.Glossophaga
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Pallas, 1766)
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.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
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 ubiquitous species tolerant of human modification. It inhabits primary and secondary rainforests, dry forests, savannas, and is very common in agricultural areas and urban gardens where there are night-blooming plants. To rest during the day, it forms colonies in dark places such as caves, tunnels, mines, hollow logs, and frequently in the roofs of abandoned or inhabited houses. In Costa Rica, it is found practically throughout the country, from both coasts to middle elevations.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
They begin foraging immediately after sunset. They fly rapidly among plants, hovering in front of bell-shaped flowers to plunge their snout and tongue inside. By doing so, their head and chest get covered in pollen, which they then transport to the next flower. Because nectar lacks sufficient protein, this bat actively eats the pollen itself (grooming it from its fur) and hunts small insects in flight. Their spatial memory is exceptional, remembering the exact location of flowers that open each night.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Gregarious. Forms colonies ranging from small groups of 5-10 individuals to aggregations of hundreds or thousands in large caves, often sharing the roost with other bat species peacefully.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Nectarivore / Pollinivore (with frugivorous and insectivorous tendencies).Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Primary consumer (Nectarivore) and secondary (Insectivore). Key pollinator of the nocturnal forest. It is hunted by owls, arboreal snakes, giant tarantulas, and large carnivorous bats.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Seasonal bimodal polyestry. Females have two pups a year (one per birth), synchronizing births with the peak flowering season. Gestation lasts about 105 to 115 days. Pups are born hairless and blind. During the first few weeks, the mother carries her pup attached to her chest during flight, but as it gains weight, she leaves it in the colony while foraging.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
4.5 - 6.0 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.
8 - 12 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
105 - 115
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 10 Years
Females2 - 10 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Hovering Flight: It possesses specialized musculature and broad wings that allow it to hover in mid-air in front of flowers to feed, expending enormous amounts of energy that it quickly recovers with nectar sugar.
Brush-tipped Tongue: Its tongue can extend beyond the length of its own body. The tip is endowed with filiform papillae that engorge with blood and erect, acting as a capillary mop that maximizes nectar absorption in fractions of a second.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Pesticide and Agrochemical Use: The indiscriminate use of insecticides not only reduces their secondary source of protein (insects) but also directly poisons the nectar and pollen of the agricultural flowers they visit.
Roost Destruction: The sealing of caves and eradication in roofs due to widespread fear of bats or confusion with the vampire bat species decimates their local colonies.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Architects of Tequila and Banana: They are the main pollinators (along with other species in their subfamily) of economically vital plants such as Agave (used for tequila and mezcal), dragon fruit, and various species of wild Musaceae (banana relatives).
Hyperactive Metabolism: Due to their sugar-rich diet and exhausting flight style, they have one of the fastest metabolisms of all mammals, digesting and excreting nectar in just 15 to 30 minutes.