Scientific Name – Desmodus rotundus

Classification – Desmodus

Gender Names – Male – male; Female – female; Baby – pup

Collective Noun – colony, cloud

Length/Size – 7cm – 9.5cm (2.75in – 3.75in) [Wing Span: 15cm – 18cm (5.9in – 7in)]

Weight – 19g – 57g (0.7oz – 2oz)

Top Speed – 40km/h (25mph)

Life Expectancy – Typically 9 years; up to 12 in captivity

Mating Season – Monsoon

Gestation Period – 7 months

Special Features – Can drink their victim’s blood for about 30 minutes

Social Structure – Solitary hunters but roost together in colonies containing around 100 heads; colonies are made of groups containing alpha males and their harems of about 6 females and their young

Geographical Distribution – Central and South America

Natural Habitat – Tropical and subtropical regions

Conservation Status – Least Concern

Diet – Sucks blood of animals (usually of cows, pigs and tapirs)

Predators – Eagles, Hawks, Humans