Mexican Long-nosed Bat

The Mexican long-nosed bat is a nectar-feeding bat native to Mexico and the United States that is an important pollinator of numerous fruits and plants, especially the agave plant. It is one of the largest bat species in the US and is usually dark gray to brown in color.

Migration Patterns

Although this species’ migration patterns are not well studied, Mexican Long-nosed Bats are thought to move from central Mexico into northern Mexico each year, with part of their population crossing the border into Texas and New Mexico. These bats migrate according to the bloom periods of numerous agave and cacti species.

Pollination

The Mexican long-nosed bat’s characteristic elongated muzzle makes it well-adapted to feeding on nectar and protein-rich pollen. Its tongue can be extended up to 3 inches which allows it to reach deep down into flowers. Feeding at night, when the Mexican long-nosed bat feeds on the nectar and pollen in flowers, its hairy face and body transfer pollen from plant to plant. This bat species and other related species are crucial pollinators of the agave plant, which is used in tequila production.

Decline

Unfortunately, the Mexican long-nosed bat is classified as endangered in both the U.S. and Mexico. While it is difficult to estimate the exact population size of its species due to its migratory nature, numerous factors, such as loss of roosting sites and food sources, have contributed to its decline.

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Resources to Learn More:

• https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/mexlongnose/

• https://www.batcon.org/article/species-spotlight-mexican-long-nosed-bat/

• https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of-the-month/lesser_long-nosed_bat.shtml