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).
| Lesser bulldog bat | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Chiroptera |
| Family: | Noctilionidae |
| Genus: | Noctilio |
| Species: | N. albiventris
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| Binomial name | |
| Noctilio albiventris Desmarest, 1818
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Description
editThe lesser bulldog bat is a sexually dimoprhic species; males are typically bright red and females are typically dull brown.[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]
Habitat
editThe 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
editThe 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
editNoctilio albvirentis is known for utilizing its echolocation to locate prey such as insects. The unique feature of their echolocation is how they use it to locate their prey.[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
editThey live about ten years and reach sexual maturity in one year.[2] Ovulation occurs in the ovary the gestation period lasts about 4 to 5 weeks.[2] Baby bats are capable of very limited vocalization, and they cannot begin flight until 5 to 6 weeks after birth.[5] Mother bats will feed their young until the babies are three months old.[5]
Predators
editPredation 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.
Gallery
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Noctilio albiventris diagram from Alcide Dessalines d'Orbigny -
Noctilio albiventris with parasites, showing its teeth, caught at the Tiputini Biodiversity Station
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c Barquez, R.; Perez, S.; Miller, B.; Diaz, M. (2015). "Noctilio albiventris". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2015: e.T14829A22019978. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-4.RLTS.T14829A22019978.en. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- ^ a b c Lundrigan B., & Kamarainen A., (2003). Noctilio albiventris lesser bulldog bat. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Noctilio_albiventris/
- ^ a b c d Hood, C. S., & Pitocchelli J., (1983). Noctilio albiventris. American Society of Mammalogists,197, 1-5
- ^ Vaughan, Terry A. (1978). Mammalogy. W.B. Saunders Company. ISBN 0-7216-9009-2.
- ^ a b c d e Brown, P. E., Brown, T. W., & Grinell, A. D., (1983). Echolocation, development, and vocal communication in the lesser bulldog bat, Noctilio albiventris. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 13(4), 287-298
- ^ a b c Camargo, P. H. S. A., & Laps, R. R., (2016). Predation on Lesser Bulldog Bat (Noctilio albiventris Noctilionidae) by Great Rufous Woodcreeper (Xiphocolaptes major Dendrocolaptidae) The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 128(4),903–912