Definition

Noun: - A species of bat (Diphylla ecaudata) that feeds on the blood of birds. It is similar in size and general habits to the common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus), but is distinguished by its hairy legs and is found in tropical regions of the Americas.

Usage

• The hairy-legged vampire bat is a less common species than its cousin that preys on mammals.
• Researchers are studying the feeding behavior of the hairy-legged vampire bat in its natural habitat.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Context: In scientific literature, the term is used specifically to refer to , one of the three extant species of true vampire bats.
• Ecological Role: The term is used in discussions about specialized parasitism, as this bat has evolved to feed almost exclusively on avian blood.

Variants and Related Words

• Hairy-legged Vampire Bat: The standard common name, often hyphenated.
• Diphylla ecaudata: The scientific (Latin) name for the species.

Synonyms

• None in common usage. Its scientific name, , is the precise synonym.

Related Phrases / Collocations

• Feeds on birds: A key descriptive phrase that distinguishes it from other vampire bats.
• Tropical American bat: A phrase describing its geographical range.

Notes

• This is a highly specific zoological term. In general conversation, it would simply be called a type of "vampire bat." The detail "hairy-legged" is primarily used for precise biological identification.

Noun

1. similar in size and habits to Desmodus rotundus; of tropical America including southern California and Texas