Most roost in fairly small groups within caves, animal burrows, or hollow trees, although some species aggregate in colonies of several hundred individuals.

[6] This variation is measured by diversity in skull morphology and diet-related characteristics: Phyllostomidae consists of species that have evolved physical modifications for insectivory, frugivory, hematophagy, nectarivory, and omnivory.

[8] With an evolutionary history tracing back to the Oligocene, fossil and phylogenetic evidence suggests the family originated about 30 million years ago.

[6][10][2] New World leaf-nosed bats are bilaterally symmetrical and endothermic mammals[11] characterized by an elaborate outgrowth of skin on their noses, called a nose-leaf, which is believed to aid in echolocation.

Leaf-nosed bats generally specialize in a particular type of diet which leads to classification in one of these groups: frugivore, nectarivore, insectivore, omnivore, or haematophagous.

[16] However, categorizations are based only on primary consumption habits, therefore observing species that occasionally consume food items outside of their particular classifications is not uncommon.

[19] To meet basic nutritional requirements, leaf-nosed bats that primarily feed on fruit and nectar must also consume insects to ensure sufficient protein and fat intake[19] and visit salt licks to acquire sodium and other nutrients.

[23] Among species that roost in groups, some evidence exists for a social hierarchy with higher-ranking individuals gaining access to preferred areas of the site.

[29][15] New World leaf-nosed bats range from the United States, in southern Arizona and the West Indies to northern Argentina.

[10] Species of New World leaf-nosed bats that make their homes in forested areas are greatly affected by agricultural intensification.

[32] Specifically, it has been found that increased agricultural activity by humans causes negative conservation effects on these habitats and as a result reduces abundance and diversity of leaf-nosed bats that live there.