DISK BAT

also called Disk-wing Bat (genus Thyroptera), either of two species of bats constituting the family Thyropteridae, inhabiting Central America and northern South America. They are small, reddish brown bats, about 3.4 to 5.2 cm (1 to 2 inches) in length with tails about 2.4 to 3.3 cm long. Average weight is approximately 4 g (0.14 ounces). Disk bats are distinguished by round pads at the base of the thumb and on the sole of the foot. These pads act as suction cups and enable the bats to cling to smooth, even glasslike, surfaces. One disk alone is capable of supporting the entire weight of the bat's body. Spix's disk bat (T. tricolor) lives in small, cohesive colonies and roosts in rolled-up leaves. It is unique among bats for its heads-up roosting posture.