By Eric J. Ellis
Geographic Range
India and Sri Lanka to Indochina, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Habitat
This species can live in a variety of habitats including hollow trees, caves, buildings, and any other large, sheltered structure. They are usually found in wet areas.
Terrestrial Biomes:
forest 
; rainforest .
Physical Description
The total body length is from 65-95mm. There is no external tail. The fur is bluish-gray along the back and brownish-gray along the underside.
Some key physical features:
endothermic ; bilateral symmetry .
Reproduction
Males and females live together throughout the year. The mating season is from November to January. The young (usually 1, rarely 2) are born between April and June after a 150-160 day gestation period. The birth of the young is timed to occur before the monsoon season sets in. The young grow very rapidly and are carried by the mother for 2-3 months.
Key reproductive features:
gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual .
Behavior
This species roosts in groups of 3-30 individuals and is usually the only animal present at a roost. They seasonally occur in very large groups. They often feed by flying in trees and brush low to the ground. They have been known to enter houses to find food such as small invertebrates or lizards. When they capture prey it is brought back to the roost before being eaten. If young are present, and are old enough to eat solid food, the parents will feed them before they themselves eat.
Key behaviors:
motile .
Food Habits
Primarily an insectivore but can be carnivorous, feeding on lizards, other small reptiles, and small rodents.
Economic Importance for Humans: Negative
No documented examples.
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
No documented examples. May help control harmful insect pests.
Conservation Status
The Asian False Vampire Bat is not considered threatened or endangered.
For More Information
Find Megaderma spasma information at
Contributors
Eric J. Ellis (author), University of Michigan.
