A medium-sized nectar-feeding bat critical for pollination of agave and saguaro cacti. Federally endangered.

Native status: Native to southwestern US into Mexico; federally endangered

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 8–10 cm; wingspan 30–35 cm
Weight18–35 g
LifespanWild 10–18 years
OrderChiroptera
FamilyPhyllostomidae

§ Encyclopedia

The greater long-nosed bat or Mexican long-nosed bat is a species of bat in the family Phyllostomidae. It is found in Mexico and the United States. It chiefly consumes pollen and nectar, particularly from agave plants and cacti. Its habitat includes desert scrub and open woodlands, however, it is threatened by habitat loss.

Source: Wikipedia — Greater long-nosed bat Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium brown bat with elongated rostrum and long tongue.

Similar species. Lesser Long-nosed Bat (very similar; sister species).

Voice. Ultrasonic echolocation.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Nectar and pollen of agave and columnar cacti.

Behavior. Critical pollinator of agave plants. Federally endangered. Migrates between southwestern US and Mexico.

§ Range

Southwestern US, Mexico

§ Habitat

Desert riparian areas, oak-pine forests

§ Threats

Habitat loss, agave overharvest for tequila, climate change.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the mexican long-nosed bat is currently classified as Endangered.

§ What helps

Buy bat-friendly tequila. Support desert riparian conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USFWS Mexican Long-nosed Bat Recovery
  • Bat Conservation International
  • IUCN Red List 2018