A nose-leaf, or leaf nose, is an often large, lance-shaped nose, found in bats of the Phyllostomidae, Hipposideridae, and Rhinolophidae families. Because these bats echolocate nasally, this nose-leaf is thought to serve some role in modifying and directing the echolocation call.

What is the function of nose leaf?

The exact shape and position of the noseleaf can be an important character for identifying and classifying a bat. The function of noseleaves is believed to be in focusing echolocation calls as they are emitted (these bats call through their noses).

What do bats use their nose for?

Mueller's findings show that the bat uses its elongated nose to create a highly focused sonar beam. Bats detect their environment through ultrasonic beams, or sonar, emitted from their mouths -- or noses, as in the case of the paradoxolophus bat.