The Leafnose bat is also known as the New World leaf-nosed bat or just the leaf-nosed bat. The name refers to the distinctive leaf-like structure on their nose, which is used for echolocation. Other synonyms for the Leafnose bat include the vampire bat, due to their blood-sucking tendencies, and the fruit bat, as they also feed on fruit and nectar. They are also sometimes called the fishing bat, as they are capable of catching fish by using their sharp claws to scoop them out of the water. Despite their slightly unsettling reputation, leaf-nosed bats are important pollinators and insect controllers in their natural habitats.