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Australian giant false vampire bat
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Australian giant false vampire bat

mammal, Macroderma gigas
Also known as: Australian false vampire bat, Macroderma gigas, ghost bat(Show More)
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Quick Summary

The Australian giant false vampire bat (Macroderma gigas) is the largest bat in the suborder Microchiroptera, reaching up to 14 cm in length. Despite its name, it is not a true vampire bat and does not feed on blood. Instead, this carnivorous bat preys on small vertebrates like other bats, lizards, and mice.1

Key characteristics of false vampire bats include their large size, grayish or brownish coloration, absence of a tail (except for one species), a prominent nose leaf around their nostrils, and large, rounded ears that are joined at the base. They roost in caves and hollow trees. The Australian giant false vampire bat is classified as an endangered species.1

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