Fringe-lipped Bat

Trachops cirrhosus

Safety note: May carry rabies — do not approach or handle.

The Fringe-lipped Bat is renowned among behavioral scientists for its ability to locate and capture poisonous frogs by eavesdropping on their mating calls, a remarkable example of sensory exploitation. It has prominent warts and bumps around its lips and muzzle. Researchers have demonstrated that this bat can learn to associate novel frog calls with palatability within days of encounter.

Habitat

Tropical lowland forests near ponds and streams

Diet

Frogs, lizards, insects, and small birds

How common

Rare

Not certain it is a Fringe-lipped Bat? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.