The genus Vampyrum contains only one species, the Spectral Bat (V. spectrum). Some alternate names for this species are Linnaeus's False Vampire Bat, False Vampire Bat and Spectral Vampire Bat. Confusingly, they are not related to the Old World family of large carnivorous bats to be found in the Megadermatidae that are also called false vampires.

This species is the largest bat (Chiroptera) in the New World, having a wingspan of 80 cm or so (almost three feet) and a body length and weight of 125-35 mm and 145-90 grams respectively, though larger specimens with wingspans of over 100 cm are not unknown. The fur on the upperparts of the bats is normally dark brown, chestnut brown or rust-orange and quite short. The ears are very long and rounded. There is no discernible tail, but the tail membrane is long and broad. The large feet are robust, with long curved claws. The muzzle is long and narrow and the teeth are strong. The Noseleaf is medium-sized, lance-shaped, horseshoe and spear with continuous rim raised to form a hollow cup around the nostrils. Underparts are usually pale, dirty gray-brown to yellow-brown - the fur is much shorter than on the back

A formidable aereal night hunter, this large predatory species takes a huge range of vertebrate prey including amphibians, reptiles, small birds and mammals. Insects are also included, especially large crickets, cicadas etc. Surprisingly, a small amount of fruit is also eaten, making this animal in the strictest sense an omnivore.

The range of the species is southern Mexico to Peru and central Brazil and the island of Trinidad.

When hunting, this species is stealthy in the extreme. It will often pounce from a position on an above branch onto its prey or fly like some owls by patrolling back and forth along forest edges, suddenly dropping on something in the grass. One young or pup is produced each year, and the mother is very attentive and gentle with her offspring. The male is always in attendance too and will frequently sleep with both mother and young completely wrapped in his wings.

External link

• Vampyrum spectrum (http://katydid.uni-graz.at/batkey/special_vspectrum.asp)