Flat-faced fruit-eating bat

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Flat-faced fruit-eating bat
Scientific classification
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A. planirostris
Binomial name
Artibeus planirostris
(Spix, 1823)
Synonyms

Artibeus jamaicensis planirostris

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The flat-faced fruit-eating bat (Artibeus planirostris) is a South American species[1] of bat in the family Phyllostomidae. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the Jamaican fruit bat,[2] but can be distinguished by its larger size, the presence of faint stripes on the face, and of a third molar tooth on each side of the upper jaw. Genetic analysis has also shown that the two species may not be closely related.[3]

Description

Flat-faced fruit-eating bats are moderately sized bats, with adults measuring 8 to 11 centimetres (3.1 to 4.3 in) in total length and weighing 40 to 69 grams (1.4 to 2.4 oz). The fur is brownish-grey over most of the body, becoming grey on the underparts, although there are faint whitish stripes on the face. As their name suggests, the bats have a broad skull with a short snout. The ears are triangular, with rounded tips, although short compared with those of many other bats, and with a small tragus. The snout bears a prominent triangular nose-leaf. The wings are dark brown or blackish, with white tips. A well-developed uropatagium stretches between the legs, but there is no visible tail.[3]

Distribution and habitat

Flat-faced fruit-eating bats are found through much of northern and central South America east of the Andes. They inhabit a range of forested environments from sea level to 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) elevation, including montane, transitional, and lowland tropical forests and open cerrado habitats. Three subspecies are currently recognised:[3]

Behaviour and biology

Flat-faced fruit-eating bats are nocturnal and herbivorous. They feed almost entirely on fruit, although they may also eat small quantities of insects and mites.[4] They are active throughout the night, and spend the day roosting in trees.[5] Favoured fruit include those of Vismia trees, figs, and Amazon grape.[3] They are apparently capable of breeding throughout the year, although, in at least some areas, births are more common during the wet season. Gestation lasts at least three and a half months, and results in the birth of a single young.[3]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Barquez, R. & Diaz, M. (2008). Artibeus planirostris. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 29 Dec 2012.
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