Solomons mastiff bat

The Solomons mastiff bat (Mops solomonis) is a species of bat in the family Molossidae. It is endemic to the Solomon Islands.

Solomons mastiff bat
Conservation status
Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Chiroptera
Family:	Molossidae
Genus:	Mops
Species:	M. solomonis
Binomial name
Mops solomonis Troughton, 1931

Taxonomy and etymology

It was described as a new species by Australian mammalogist Ellis Le Geyt Troughton in 1931.^[2] Troughton likely chose the species name "solomonis" because this species was first discovered on the Solomon Islands. It is sometimes classified as a subspecies of the northern freetail bat, Mops jobensis.^[3]

The genus Chaerephon was formerly considered a subgenus of or synonymous with the genus Tadarida, meaning that this species has been known as Tadarida jobensis solomonis or Tadarida solomonis.^[4][5]

Description

Its forearm is 40.5–45 mm (1.59–1.77 in). In total, its head and body are 63–68 mm (2.5–2.7 in) long, while its tail is 35–36 mm (1.4–1.4 in) long. Its fur is a rich, auburn brown, with white hairs interspersed infrequently. Its tragus is lobed and broad at the tip.^[2]

Range and habitat

Its range is currently known to include Choiseul Island and Santa Isabel Island, both of which are part of the Solomon Islands.^[5]

Conservation

It is evaluated as endangered by the IUCN.^[1]