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By Michael Mulheisen
Geographic Range
Central and South America: S, Mexico to Bolivia, Paraguay, and SE Brazil; to 2,400 m elevation.
Biogeographic Regions
neotropical 
(Native )
Habitat
Found in the moist evergreen and dry deciduous forests, usually below 1,000m but up to 1,500m.
Terrestrial Biomes
forest ; rainforest
Physical Description
Reproduction
Two reproductive periods. The larger one coincides with peak fruit productions, (June-August) and the other with the blooming of flowers at the end of the dry season (Feb.-May.) Gestation is 115-120 days. Newborns weigh about 5g.
Lifespan/Longevity
Status: captivity
12.4 years
[External Source: Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research]
Behavior
Will enter a state of torpor when food is lacking. Gregarious with generalized roost requirements. Roost in groups of 10-100 in caves, hollow trees, tunnels road culverts,and less commonly in rocks, under leaves and in buildings. Two roost types: Harem (adult male with many females) and Bachelor (adult and sub adult males without a harem). Peak activity is right after sunset.
Food Habits
Generalist, feeding on a least 50 different species of fruit. Also pollen and insects. Generally forage close to the ground.
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
Important disperser for many plants. Bats eat up to around 35 fruits of the genus Piper per night, which translates to 350-2,500 seeds dispersed per night per individual. Also may be an important pollinator to many plant species.
Economic Importance for Humans: Negative
None known.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [Link]
Least Concern
More Information
Common and widespread.
Other Comments
Has an excellent sense of smell.
For More Information
Find Carollia perspicillata information at
Contributors
Michael Mulheisen (author), University of Michigan.
