Vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) in flight. This bat inhabits forests and scrubland from Mexico to southern South America. It feeds only on blood. To feed,it lands near its victim (usually a large mammal) and gently crawls onto it. It is the only bat that can walk and run on the ground,for which it uses its large thumbs (seen at the mid- point of each wing) as a pair of limbs. Once on its victim,it pierces the skin using its sharp teeth. Its saliva contains an anticoagulant that prevents the blood from clotting,allowing it to feed for a long time. It lives in colonies in caves or hollow trees | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Tuttle, Merlin / BAT Conversation International |
Taille de l’image : | 4003 px × 2503 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : |
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