Aztec mastiff bat
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]
| Aztec mastiff bat | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Chiroptera |
| Family: | Molossidae |
| Genus: | Molossus |
| Species: | M. aztecus |
| Binomial name | |
| Molossus aztecus Saussure, 1860 | |
 | |
| Aztec mastiff bat range | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
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
- 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 24 December 2019.
- 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.
- Ceballos, G.; Cabrales, J. A.; Vazquez, D. (2014). Ceballos, G. (ed.). Mammals of Mexico. JHU Press. pp. 767–768. ISBN 1421408430. OCLC 900027107.