Definition

Noun: 1. A blood-feeding bat of the family Desmodontidae: Any of several species of bats native to tropical regions of the Americas, characterized by their specialized diet of consuming the blood of other animals, primarily mammals and birds. This term distinguishes them from other bats sometimes colloquially called "vampire bats."

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The biologist studied the feeding habits of the true vampire bat in its natural habitat.
  • Only three species, like the common vampire bat, are classified as a true vampire bat.
  • Legends of vampires may have been inspired by encounters with the true vampire bat.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic context: The phrase "true vampire bat" is used in scientific and zoological writing to specify members of the family Desmodontidae, separating them from fruit bats or other insect-eating bats that do not feed on blood.
  • The lecture focused on the evolutionary adaptations of the true vampire bat.

Variants and Related Words

• Vampire bat (n): The common name for these animals. "True vampire bat" is a more precise term.
• Desmodontidae (n): The scientific family name for true vampire bats.
• Common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) (n): A specific and widespread species of true vampire bat.
• Hairy-legged vampire bat (Diphylla ecaudata) (n): Another species within the true vampire bat family.

Synonyms

• Blood-feeding bat: A descriptive synonym emphasizing the diet.
• Hematophagous bat: A technical term meaning "blood-eating bat."

Related Phrases

• To feed on blood: The primary action associated with the true vampire bat.
  • The true vampire bat uses sharp incisors to make a small cut and then feeds on the blood of sleeping cattle.

Noun

1. any of various tropical American bats of the family Desmodontidae that bite mammals and birds to feed on their blood