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Lesser bulldog bat
Species of bat From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The lesser bulldog bat (Noctilio albiventris) is an insectivorous and occasionally carnivorous bat of the (Neotropics), ranging through Central America and northern South America. Some unique characteristics of the bat include, large feet that are used to rake the surface of water to capture prey, and precise echolocation. Occasionally, the larger bats catch and consume small fish (the most closely related species, the greater bulldog bat, is known for its fishing ability).
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Description
The lesser bulldog bat is a sexually dimoprhic species with males significantly larger than females and with a more pronounced sagittal crest.[2] Furthermore, coloration varies between individuals among the same sex, and between different populations.[3] They have a length of about three inches (7.5 cm), a forearm length of 2+1⁄2 inches (6.4 cm), and weight of about one ounce (30 grams).[3] The bats plump lips and chin that has well-developed cross ridges give rise to the bats "bulldog-like" appearance.[3] The lesser bulldog bat has large feet that are claw-like and can be used capture prey.[3]
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Habitat
The bats prefer terrestrial habitats and they live near water or damp locations, residing in hollow trees or domestic dwellings.[1] The locations that they can be found in includes: Argentina; Belize; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Costa Rica; Ecuador; El Salvador; French Guiana; Guatemala; Guyana; Honduras; Mexico; Nicaragua; Panama; Paraguay; Peru.[1]
Feeding
The species prefers to feed predominantly on insects, catching them while flying over water. Studies on Costa Rican population say that the bats also consume tree pollen.[4]
Echolocation
The lesser bulldog bat echolocates to navigate and locate insects to eat.[5] As they skim across the water, they will bombard the water with their vocalization and when they detect a disturbance of the vocalization they move to the disturbance.[5] Additionally, since the lesser bulldog bat prefers to forage in small groups, they also use echolocation to communicate during foraging.[5]
Development and lifespan
They are seasonal breeders, with the breeding season in late November and December.[2] They are likely polygynous, with males mating with multiple females. The litter size is most frequently a single pup, with one study reporting a single set of twins from 72 pregnant females.[3] The young fledge at around one month old.[2]
Predators
Predation on bats is uncommon however large birds are known to prey upon bats.[6] One distinct bird that preys on the lesser bulldog bat is the great rufous woodcreeper. The woodcreeper will invade the bats roost and take the bat from its habitat.[6] Upon capture the woodcreeper pecks the bat with its sharp beak until the bat dies.[6] Other predators of the bat include hawks, falcons, owls, and motmots.[citation needed]
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Gallery
Diagram from Alcide Dessalines d'Orbigny
With parasites, showing its teeth, caught at the Tiputini Biodiversity Station
See also
References
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