vampire bat

noun

1. any of several New World tropical bats of the genera Desmodus, Diphylla, and Diaemus, the size of a small mouse, feeding on small amounts of blood obtained from resting mammals and birds by means of a shallow cut made with specialized incisor teeth.
2. any of several large South American bats of the genera Phyllostomus and Vampyrus, erroneously believed to feed on blood.
3. false vampire.

vampire bat

noun

1. any bat, esp Desmodus rotundus, of the family Desmodontidae of tropical regions of Central and South America, having sharp incisor and canine teeth and feeding on the blood of birds and mammals Compare false vampire

Word History and Origins

Origin of vampire bat¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

Deforestation in Costa Rica raises the risk of cattle becoming infected with rabies by vampire bats, finds a new study.

From Science Daily

Much publicized observations of food sharing in groups of vampire bats further support the theoretical framework proposed by the researchers.

From Science Daily

Three extinct species in this family of similar age to the Panama specimen have been found in Colombia, and the fossils of much younger vampire bats were pulled from several sinkholes in Florida.

From Science Daily

In advance of the trip to Colombia to study vampire bats, Escobar and his team met near the Duck Pond to review critical safety information and field sampling protocols.

From Science Daily

But today different noctilionoid species feast on insects, fruit, nectar, fish and even blood -- since this group also includes the infamous vampire bats.

From Science Daily