Bat Family Values

Monday, September 8, 2025

Bat Family Values

Today’s special animal friend is the spectral bat, Vampyrum spectrum. The spectral bat is the largest carnivorous bat in the world. (The even larger “flying foxes” of the Pteropus genus eat fruit.) Science journalism, shared with me by reader dj l, has recently been discussing the spectral bat following the release of new video by researchers in Costa Rica. This video showed a family of bats in their roost engaging in social behaviors such as food sharing, hugging, and playing Wingspan on Saturday nights.

Journalists claim to find this behavior incongruous in an apex predator, but what are Homo sapiens, I ask you, if not an apex predator? Speaking of Wingspan, the spectral bat’s can exceed three feet. They are the largest bat in the Americas. Their prey includes birds, rodents, insects, and other bat species. Like wild cats, they kill using a powerful bite of their very impressive teeth. Note that, although their genus is Vampyrum, they are eating meat, not consuming blood. They are sometimes called “false vampire bats.”

A National Geographic video about them in action only permits replay at YouTube; the link is here.

Here’s another short video, with much less detail and description:

Spectral bats are difficult to study because they are nocturnal and have a low population density. They roost in small colonies composed of nuclear family groups – dad, mom, 2.3 children – in tree hollows high above the ground. Adults and older offspring hunt cooperatively, bringing prey back to their roost for sharing and consumption. Adult males provide additional food to pregnant or lactating females and young pups.

The spectral bat is rated Near Threatened by IUCN, although it’s difficult for researchers to assess their populations. They are found in Mexico, Central America, parts of South America, and some islands. They are most often observed in rainforests, but they have also been seen in pastures and orchards. The highest altitude at which they have been observed is about 5,000 feet. It is believed that habitat loss is the most significant threat, but they are also persecuted in some regions, including the otherwise very nice island of Trinidad, because of beliefs about evil spirits.