Dwarf large-eared nose
| Dwarf large-eared nose | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systematics | ||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Micronycteris minuta | ||||||||||||
| ( Gervais , 1855) |
The dwarf large-eared leaf nose ( Micronycteris minuta ) is a bat species from the family of leaf noses (Phyllostomidae) which is native to Central and South America.
The Greek genus name Micronycteris means "little bat", the Latin species name minuta refers to their small body size.
description
The dwarf large-eared nose is a small bat with large ears and a short, pointed nose , which is typical of the leaf-nose family . The coat is brown with the base of the hair lighter than the tip. Half of the forearm is densely hairy. The wings are relatively short and wide, which makes the species an agile flier. The total length of the dwarf large-eared nose is 52–73 mm, the forearm length 31.3–36.8 mm and the weight 6.5–8.5 g. As with its sister species M. hirsuta and M. megalotis, the ears of the dwarf large-eared nose are connected by a narrow band. The dwarf large-eared nose is smaller than the hairy large-eared nose ( M. hirsuta ) (forearm length <38 mm compared to> 40 mm) and similar in size to M. megalotis . In contrast to M. megalotis, it has a white belly, the calcar is shorter than the foot and the ligament between the ears has a deep notch. Other species of the genus Micronycteris do not have a band between the ears and should therefore not be confused with Micronycteris microtis .
Way of life
The dwarf large-eared nose is mainly found in the tropical rainforest , but has also been caught in swamps , near plantations and on other agricultural areas. Like most bats, the species is nocturnal and feeds on insects and other arthropods. Flying prey is rarely caught, but the arthropods are picked up from the leaf surface. During the day, the animals hang out alone or in small groups in sheltered places that they can share with other bat species such as the sack-winged bat ( Saccopteryx bilineata ), Micronycteris megalotis , Platyrrhinus helleri and the spectacle-shaped nose ( Carollia perspiciallata ). Mating is likely to take place during the onset of the rainy season. Each female gives birth to only one young per litter.
distribution and habitat
The dwarf large-eared nose occurs from Honduras to Bolivia and the south of Brazil . The IUCN has rated the species as harmless thanks to its wide distribution.
literature
- C. López-González (1998): Micronycteris minuta. In: Mammalian Species . No. 583, pp. 1-4.