Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of bat characterized by a distinctive, leaf-like structure on its nose: A "leafnose bat" is a common name for various species of bats that possess a fleshy, often complex, leaf-shaped protuberance on their snout. This nose-leaf is thought to aid in echolocation. The term is especially associated with bats from the families Phyllostomatidae (American leaf-nosed bats), Rhinolophidae (horseshoe bats), and Hipposideridae (Old World leaf-nosed bats).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The biologist studied the echolocation calls of the leafnose bat.
  • A common leafnose bat in this region is the greater horseshoe bat.

Advanced Usage

• The term "leafnose bat" is a descriptive common name, not a formal taxonomic classification. It groups species from different families based on a shared physical characteristic (the nose-leaf).
  • While both are called leafnose bats, species from the families Rhinolophidae and Phyllostomatidae are not closely related.

Variants and Related Words

• Leaf-nosed bat: An alternative spelling using a hyphen.
• Nose-leaf (n): The specific anatomical structure found on these bats.
  • The intricate shape of the nose-leaf helps focus the bat's sonar pulses.

Synonyms

• Horseshoe bat (specifically for family Rhinolophidae).
• New World leaf-nosed bat (specifically for family Phyllostomatidae).

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs)

• Echolocation (n): The biological sonar used by bats for navigation and hunting, which the nose-leaf structure modifies.
• Microchiropteran (n): A member of the suborder Microchiroptera, which includes most echolocating bats, such as leafnose bats.

Noun

1. bat having a leaflike flap at the end of the nose; especially of the families Phyllostomatidae and Rhinolophidae and Hipposideridae