Thyropteridae – Disk-winged bats
A family of neotropical (Central and South America) bats – one genus and five species strong
Found in the moist tropical forests of central and south America, these bats get their name from the suction cups that are present at the base of their heel, similar to the suction cups found in sucker-footed bats. These bats are relatively small, reddish to brown in coloration, and usually are found in small cohesive colonies that roost in leaves.
These bats are unique among bats as they roost in an upright position as compared to the downward-hanging position of the majority of the bat families. These bats exclusively feed on insects and have been known to live successfully in a range of environments.
