Species · GBIF taxon 2433222
Honduran White Bat
Ectophylla albaAlso known as Caribbean White Tent-making Bat, Honduran White Tent-making Bat
These tiny, cotton-ball-like mammals are famous for their snowy white fur and bright yellow-orange nose leaves and ears. They roost in small, intimate groups of up to fifteen individuals, clinging to the undersides of large Heliconia leaves that they carefully cut and fold into protective, rainproof tents. By day, the filtered green light shining through the leaf reflects off their white coats, making them nearly invisible to predators looking from below.
NocturnalSocialFrugivorous
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Ficus colubrinae figs
- Ficus schippii figs
- Other small rainforest fruits
Predators
- Capuchin monkeys
- Arboreal snakes
- Owls
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, deforestation, and the destruction of understory Heliconia plants
HabitatsWet lowland rainforests and secondary growth forests with dense Heliconia understory
Life spanApproximately 10 to 15 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPhyllostomidae
- SpeciesEctophylla alba
Native
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for small, fluffy white clusters clinging together under folded, tent-like Heliconia leaves.
- Support conservation
- Maintain a respectful distance of several meters, speak in whispers, and never disturb the roosting structure.
Responsible observation
- Look under Heliconia leaves: Search for folded, tent-like leaves hanging about one to two meters off the forest floor.
- Keep your distance: Avoid touching, shaking, or walking directly under the roosting leaf to prevent flushing the colony.
- Minimize light: Use a red light filter or dim flashlight if observing them at dusk to avoid damaging their sensitive eyes.
Primary Food Source Host Plant Close Relative
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