Proboscis Bat

This is a small bat, with a head-and-body length of 37–43 mm (1.5–1.7 in), a tail length of around 12 mm (0.47 in), and a forearm length of 35–41 mm (1.4–1.6 in). A sample of males and females from Trinidad found weights ranging between 2.1–4.3 g (0.074–0.152 oz). Males in northern South America were found to average 56 millimetres (2.2 in) long, females 59 millimetres (2.3 in). The tail is about 16 millimetres (0.63 in) long. Pregnant females can weigh up to 6 grams (0.21 oz).

This species is found in the lowlands of the northern half of South America, throughout Central America, and into southeastern Mexico. From Ecuador south, it is limited to east of the Andes; its range extends south to the northern half of Bolivia and much of Brazil. It seldom occurs above 300 meters (980 feet) in elevation. Its habitats include forests, caves and non-aquatic underground habitats. It usually lives around wetlands and is frequently found in riparian forests, pastures swamps, and all near water.