Anoura aequatoris

Anoura aequatoris (also known as the equatorial tailless bat)^[2] is a species of microbat that lives in South America in the countries of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

Anoura aequatoris
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Chiroptera
Family:	Phyllostomidae
Genus:	Anoura
Species:	A. aequatoris
Binomial name
Anoura aequatoris (Lönnberg, 1921)
Synonyms
Anoura caudifer aequatoris Lönnberg, 1921

Taxonomy

When first described in 1921, Einar Lönnberg classified Anoura aequatoris as a subspecies of Anoura caudifer. In 2006, Mantilla-Meluk and Baker argued that there were enough differences between the two to elevate Anoura aequatoris to the level of distinct species.^[1][2][3] This conclusion, however, has been challenged. Some believe that it is not distinct enough to warrant separation from A. caudifera, and that further analysis is needed.^[4] A 2008 study challenged that elevating it to a species overstated the amount of diversity within the genus, and that it should remain a subspecies.^[5]

Description

A. aequatoris can be differentiated from A. caudifer on the basis of its morphology, including its densely furred uropatagium that has a fringe of long hairs along its edge. Additionally, A. aequatoris is smaller, with a skull length of approximately 22.5 mm (0.89 in) and forearm lengths of 34.3–35.9 mm (1.35–1.41 in).^[3]

Range and habitat

A. aequatoris is found in South America, where it has been documented in the following countries: Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. It is found at high elevations from 600–1,500 m (2,000–4,900 ft) above sea level. It is associated with montane forests.^[1]