This particular bat is one of the smallest, measuring only 2 inches in length. They only weigh about 0.2 ounces. They have a very pronounced leaf-like orange nose with pointy orange ears. Aside from that, they are a bundle of white fur. The Honduran white bat can be found in Honduras (obviously), Nicaragua, Costa Rica, as well as in western Panama.
This creature is part of a line of bat species called tent-making bats. What this means is that they will find a large leaf and bite into it until it is bent over into an upside-down V shape. They will then form a roost on the underside of this make-shift tent. It helps protect them from the wind and rain. Additionally, they will keep extremely close together for warmth. The latter grouping makes them look like a bunch of stuck-together mashmallows.
The Honduran white bat eats mainly fruit and enjoys living around banana groves. Once mated, they give birth always in the spring. They only have one offspring at a time. I think it is a bit ironic that they feast on sweet things only to grow up to look like marshmallows. I apologize if I keep lingering on that point, but really, it's the only reason I like these guys.
I know of no fiction about these bats, but I do see them as cute, sweethearted little people who can't help but be cute. Bats are usually known for being creepy things, but what's creepy about a big family of furry, white puffballs? As characters, they would go around in large groups testing out all the deserts from various restaurant menus. I really should bring this spotlight to an end before I lose my mind.
Just look at the pictures. You'll see what I mean!
Thank you for reading this adorable bat blog! If you enjoyed it, you can comment below, or you can email me at tkwadeauthor@gmail.com. Kree!
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| Honduran white bats are not often photographed in flight. |
They especially look like marshmallows when they are roosting. It is quite amusing that they eat sweet things. Even the weird nose seems to add to the cuteness.
ReplyDeleteThe nose is weird, and it at first threw me off. But after some time it grows on ya. I already had one friend who said she wanted one as a pet.
DeleteThey are so cute! That's pretty cool how they make tents, they look like a bunch of cotton balls all snuggled up in there.
ReplyDeleteYou could fill a pillow with them!
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