You Make The Diagnosis: Name This Costa Rica Animal

Posted bykristennelsondvm

Costa Rica is a beautiful country filled with amazing animals.  During a recent vacation to the Guanacaste Province, I took a river tour to observe flora and fauna.  My guide, Olmon Sosa, pointed out the creatures pictured below.  I would have never found them on my own.  Name this well camouflaged animal. 

       

Diagnosis:  Brazilian Long-nosed Bat (Phychonycteris naso)

The Brazilian Long-nosed bat is found along rivers from Mexico to the norther half of South America.  This small bat, one and one half inches at maturity, eats insects associated with slow moving water.  During the day, the bats roost in small colonies often in straight lines as pictured above.  Their camouflage is amazing!  This is one of the cutest bats I have ever seen.
 

 
Reference:
    Plumpton, David and Knox Jones, J. Jr. “Phynochonycteris naso” Mammalian Species 423, December 10, 1992, pp. 1-5.

Published by kristennelsondvm

Dr. Kristen Nelson grew up on a farm in Watertown, Minn., where she developed a deep love for animals of all kinds. She received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine. Kris then completed a small-animal internship at the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City. In addition to writing and speaking, she cares for small and exotic animals in Scottsdale, Az. Dr. Nelson is widely quoted in the media. Her credits include Ladies’ Home Journal, USA TODAY, the Los Angeles Times and numerous radio and television interviews. Dr. Nelson has written two books, Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life and Coated With Fur: A Blind Cat’s Love. Kris and her husband Steve share their home with rescued cats, birds and a dog.