Aztec fruit-eating bat

The Aztec fruit-eating bat (Dermanura azteca) is a species of bat in the family Phyllostomidae. It is found in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Panama.

Aztec fruit-eating bat

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Phyllostomidae
Genus: Dermanura
Species:
D. azteca
Binomial name
Dermanura azteca
Aztec fruit-eating bat range
Synonyms
  • Artibeus aztecus K. Andersen, 1906

Taxonomy and etymology

It was described as a new species in 1906 by Danish mammalogist Knud Andersen. The holotype was collected by Edward William Nelson in Tetela del Volcán, Mexico.[2] Its species name "aztecus" refers to the indigenous Aztecs of Mexico, where this species was first documented.

Description

It is one of the largest members of its genus. Individuals lack tails. It has a forearm length of 35–41 mm (1.4–1.6 in) and body weight of 18–24 g (0.63–0.85 oz). Its dental formula is 2.1.2.22.1.2.2 for a total of 28 teeth.[3]

Biology and ecology

It is nocturnal, foraging at night and roosting in sheltered places such as abandoned mines, old wells, and tree branches during the day. It eats fruits from plant species such as Crataegus mexicana and Prunus serotina and cones from species such as Cupressus and Juniperus. Additionally, it will consume insects.[3]

Range and habitat

It is found in several countries in Central America including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Panama. It has been documented at elevations from 600–3,000 m (2,000–9,800 ft) above sea level[1]; in Mexico, it is most frequently encountered at approximately 2,000 m (6,600 ft) above sea level.[3]

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References
  1. Solari, S. (2016). "Dermanura azteca". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T2123A22000362. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T2123A22000362.en.
  2. Andersen, K. (1906). "Brief diagnoses of a new genus and ten new forms of stenodermatous bats". Annals and Magazine of Natural History. 7. 18 (108): 422. doi:10.1080/00222930608562639.
  3. Ceballos, G.; Cabrales, J. A.; Vazquez, D. (2014). Ceballos, G. (ed.). Mammals of Mexico. JHU Press. p. 731. ISBN 978-1421408439.
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