The Common Vampire Bat (Desmodus rotundus) is a small bat that roosts in trees, caves, abandoned buildings, old wells, and mines, in parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America. They prefer warm and humid climates, and use tropical and subtropical woodlands and open grasslands to forage. The name, Common Vampire Bat, is in reference to the bat’s diet, which is primarily mammalian blood, and particularly that of livestock like cattle and horses. The bat approaches the sleeping prey at night, and uses its sharp teeth to cut open the skin of its hosts to lap up their blood. Unlike other bats, the Common Vampire Bat, can run on land.
The Common Vampire Bat has a wingspan in the range of 13.8”-15.75” (35-40 cm) and total weight of .88-1.6 oz (25-45 g). The body of the Common Vampire Bat has a body length between 2.6”-3.5” (6.5-9 cm) and estimated hanging height of 5.3”-6.3” (13.5-16 cm). The typical lifespan of the Common Vampire Bat is between 12-29 years.
The Common Vampire Bat (Desmodus rotundus) is a small bat that roosts in trees, caves, abandoned buildings, old wells, and mines, in parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America. They prefer warm and humid climates, and use tropical and subtropical woodlands and open grasslands to forage. The name, Common Vampire Bat, is in reference to the bat’s diet, which is primarily mammalian blood, and particularly that of livestock like cattle and horses. The bat approaches the sleeping prey at night, and uses its sharp teeth to cut open the skin of its hosts to lap up their blood. Unlike other bats, the Common Vampire Bat, can run on land.
The Common Vampire Bat has a wingspan in the range of 13.8”-15.75” (35-40 cm) and total weight of .88-1.6 oz (25-45 g). The body of the Common Vampire Bat has a body length between 2.6”-3.5” (6.5-9 cm) and estimated hanging height of 5.3”-6.3” (13.5-16 cm). The typical lifespan of the Common Vampire Bat is between 12-29 years.
