Species MammalsCalifornia Leaf-nosed Bat

California Leaf-nosed Bat

Macrotus californicus

UncommonMammal
Illustration of California Leaf-nosed Bat (Macrotus californicus)
Safety note: May carry rabies — do not approach or handle.

The California Leaf-nosed Bat is a large-eared, low-flying bat of the Sonoran Desert and adjacent areas that uses its prominent triangular nose leaf to focus echolocation calls and glean large insects—including sphinx moths—from vegetation. It is uniquely adapted to warm desert caves for year-round roosting and does not migrate or hibernate. The species delays embryonic development for several months after mating.

Habitat
Sonoran Desert caves, mines, and rocky hillsides
Diet
Large moths, katydids, and other large insects
How common
Uncommon

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