AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NTInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Near Threatened — close to qualifying as Vulnerable. Requires ongoing monitoring.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Ectophylla alba
Honduran White Bat
H. Allen, 1892
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Small bat unmistakable for its pure white fur, bright yellow nose and ears. It is one of the smallest bats in the world.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Julia Trouin
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.Ectophylla
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.H. Allen, 1892
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.
Decreasing
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.
Frugivore
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 humid lowlands and tropical rainforests, preferring areas with Heliconia plants.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Frugivorous specialist, feeds on a limited range of fruits.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Highly social, lives in small colonies under Heliconia leaves.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Nocturnal foraging near its roosting sites.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Role of pollinator/disperser within forest microhabitats.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Monogamous or polygynous mating system, small colonies.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
3.0 - 5.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
4 g - 6 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.
0.5 - 1 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
90 - 100
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 6 Years
Females4 - 6 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Tent architecture: Cuts the ribs of Heliconia leaves to make them fold downwards, creating a protective 'tent' against rain and predators.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Loss of specific habitat and deforestation that eliminates the Heliconia plants necessary for its shelter.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Its white color allows it to camouflage when sunlight filters through the Heliconia leaves, creating a greenish tint.