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Molossus alvarezi

Species of bat From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Molossus alvarezi
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Molossus alvarezi, or Alvarez's mastiff bat, is a species of bat in the family Molossidae, native to the Yucatán Peninsula.[2] It lives within a relative homogenous environment within perennial forests, low forests, and a band of xeric vegetation.[2]

Quick Facts Alvarez's mastiff bat, Conservation status ...
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Taxonomy

Molossus alvarezi was described as a new species in 2011. The authors examined specimens of the Sinaloan mastiff bat (M. sinaloae) and found that individuals in the Yucatán Peninsula were morphologically distinct from other regions.[2] The genus name Molossus refers to the ancient Molossus breed of shepherd dog,[3] while the specific name alvarezi honors the late José Ticul Álvarez Solórzano for his significant contributions to the development of Mexican mammalogy.[2]

In a 2019 study that examined the genetics of some Molossus species, the authors found that M. alvarezi was the sister taxon of Molossus fentoni.[4]

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Description

Molossus alvarezi is physically similar to Molossus sinaloae, though smaller in most dimensions. It is considered medium-sized for a bat of its genus, with a forearm length of 42.7–47.4 mm (1.68–1.87 in). The fur of its back is dark brown, while its underside is paler and grayish brown.[2]

Range and habitat

Molossus alvarezi is found in Mexico in the states of Quintana Roo and Yucatán.[1] Its range also includes Honduras and French Guiana.[4]

References

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