Quick answer
IUCN status: Least ConcernLesser false vampire bat at a glance
The lesser false vampire bat (Megaderma spasma) is a mammal in the family Megadermatidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Southeast Sulawesi, North Sulawesi, Central Kalimantan. Diet: insects, plus lizards and small rodents; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Megaderma spasma |
|---|---|
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Megadermatidae |
| Observation records | Southeast Sulawesi, North Sulawesi, Central Kalimantan |
| Taxonomic group | Chiroptera |
| GBIF records | 124 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — insects, plus lizards and small rodents · Animal Diversity Web |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · Animal Diversity Web |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) · EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt |
In this guide (13)
What is the Lesser false vampire bat?
Lesser false vampire bat refers to Megaderma spasma, in the genus Megaderma, family Megadermatidae, and order Chiroptera. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Lesser false vampire bat?
The lesser false vampire bat does not drink blood; accounts describe cave and tree-hollow roosts and an insect diet.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
Habitat and field observations of the Lesser false vampire bat
This bat roosts in caves and tree hollows. Feeding accounts include large arthropods and occasional small vertebrates; 'false vampire' does not mean it drinks blood.
Evidence: GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Lesser false vampire bat?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 124 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include Southeast Sulawesi, North Sulawesi, Central Kalimantan. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Lesser false vampire bat?
Watch from a distance, do not feed, and avoid sharing precise locations of vulnerable dens or resting sites. Do not try to catch or touch wild mammals. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Lesser false vampire bat with Large Flying-fox, Lesser Long-tongued Fruit Bat, Tatar Horseshoe Bat. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the Lesser false vampire bat
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Chiroptera |
| Family | Megadermatidae |
| Genus | Megaderma |
| Species | Megaderma spasma |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the lesser false vampire bat
What is the scientific name of the lesser false vampire bat?
The scientific name of the lesser false vampire bat is Megaderma spasma, in the family Megadermatidae and the order Chiroptera.
What kind of animal is the lesser false vampire bat?
The lesser false vampire bat is a mammal in the family Megadermatidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a insects, plus lizards and small rodents.
Where does the lesser false vampire bat live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the lesser false vampire bat summarised in this guide mainly come from Southeast Sulawesi, North Sulawesi, Central Kalimantan. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the lesser false vampire bat eat?
The lesser false vampire bat is a insects, plus lizards and small rodents. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
How does the lesser false vampire bat reproduce?
The lesser false vampire bat reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
Is the lesser false vampire bat nocturnal?
The cited source records the lesser false vampire bat as nocturnal (active at night). Source: EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the lesser false vampire bat?
Scientific classification of the lesser false vampire bat: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Chiroptera, family Megadermatidae, genus Megaderma, species Megaderma spasma.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the lesser false vampire bat endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the lesser false vampire bat is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the lesser false vampire bat is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Lesser false vampire bat (Megaderma spasma). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/megaderma-spasma/