Disk-Winged Bats: Thyropteridae

These bats are about the size of a person's thumb, having a head and body length that ranges from 1.2 to 2.3 inches (3 to 5.7 centimeters). They weigh from 0.10 to 0.17 ounces (3 to 5 grams), about the same weight as one to two pennies.

These bats are also called New World sucker-footed bats, named after the suction cup-like feature found on their feet. These bats have circular suction cup disks with short stalks on the soles of the feet and the bottom of their thumbs. The disks on the thumb are larger than those on the feet. They also have a well-developed claw on their thumb.

Bats in this family have small eyes. There is a small wart-like projection above the nostrils, and there is no noseleaf (leaf-shaped fleshy protrusion). The tail juts out freely past the membrane (thin layer of skin), so it is visible. The ears are large and shaped like a funnel. The muzzle is long and slender. Nostrils are circular and set relatively far apart.

Species in this family have long, fluffy hair. Fur color ranges from a medium reddish brown to slightly darker. The undersides of these bats are white or brown. The ears can be either black or yellow.