Benkeith's short-tailed bat

Benkeith's short-tailed bat (Carollia benkeithi) is a leaf-nosed bat species found in Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.^[2] It very closely resembles the chestnut short-tailed bat, and the two species are likely often confused.^[2]

Benkeith's short-tailed bat
Holotype of Carollia benkeithi in the Natural Science Research Laboratory's collection at the Museum of Texas Tech University
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Chiroptera
Family:	Phyllostomidae
Genus:	Carollia
Species:	C. benkeithi
Binomial name
Carollia benkeithi Solari & Baker, 2006

Taxonomy and etymology

Benkeith's short-tailed bat was described as a new species in 2006. The holotype had been collected in 1983, 2 km (1.2 mi) to the south of Tingo María, Peru.^[3] The eponym for the species name "benkeithi" was Ben E. Keith, who donated $5 million to Texas Tech University.^[4]

Description

Benkeith's short-tailed bat is a relatively small species of short-tailed fruit bat. It has a forearm length of 33.7–37.2 mm (1.33–1.46 in) and a head and body length of 52–68 mm (2.0–2.7 in). The fur on its back is chestnut brown, while its belly fur is a dull, grayish-brown.^[3]

Biology and ecology

Based on stable isotope analysis, it likely consumes a considerable amount of insects in addition to plant material such as fruit.^[5]

Range and habitat

Benkeith's short-tailed bat is found in northeastern Bolivia, eastern Peru, and western Brazil. In Brazil, it is uncommon within the central Amazon basin.^[2]