Aztec mastiff bat
Aztec mastiff bat | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Chiroptera |
Family: | Molossidae |
Genus: | Molossus |
Species: | M. aztecus
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Binomial name | |
Molossus aztecus Saussure, 1860
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Aztec mastiff bat range | |
Synonyms | |
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The Aztec mastiff bat (Molossus aztecus) is a species of bat in the family Molossidae.[2] It is found from Jalisco and Cozumel Island in southern Mexico to Nicaragua (it has been reported from Guatemala but not from El Salvador or Honduras) in a variety of forest habitats at elevations from near sea level to 1300 m.[1] It has also been reported from southern Venezuela.[1] The species' diet is insectivorous.[1]
Taxonomy and etymology[]
It was described as a new species in 1860 by Swiss scientist Henri Saussure.[3] Its species name "aztecus" refers to the indigenous Aztecs of Mexico, where this species was first documented.
Description[]
It is one of the smallest bats of the genus Molossus. Its fur is chocolate brown and its patagia, nose, and ears are very dark brown. Individuals weigh 12–16 g (0.42–0.56 oz). Its forearm length is 34–35 mm (1.3–1.4 in). Its dental formula is 1.1.1.31.1.2.3 for a total of 26 teeth.[4]
Biology and ecology[]
It is nocturnal, foraging for its insect prey at night and roosting in hollow trees during the day. Unusually for its genus, females may become pregnant while still nursing a pup.[4]
Range and habitat[]
It is endemic to Mexico. It is generally documented at elevations greater than 1,500 m (4,900 ft) above sea level.[4]
References[]
- ^ a b c d Solari, S. (2019). "Molossus aztecus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T13645A22107522. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T13645A22107522.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
- ^ Simmons, N.B. (2005). "Order Chiroptera". In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 440. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
- ^ Saussure, H. M. (1860). "Note sur quelques mammifères du Mexique". Revue et magasin de zoologie pure et appliquée. 2. 12: 285–286.
- ^ a b c Ceballos, G.; Cabrales, J. A.; Vazquez, D. (2014). Ceballos, G. (ed.). Mammals of Mexico. JHU Press. pp. 767–768. ISBN 978-1421408439. OCLC 900027107.
Wikispecies has information related to Aztec mastiff bat. |
- IUCN Red List least concern species
- Molossus (bat)
- Mammals described in 1860
- Bats of Central America
- Taxa named by Henri Louis Frédéric de Saussure