The dwarf bonneted bat, or Peters' mastiff bat, (''Eumops bonariensis''), is a bat species from

South South is one of the cardinal directions or Points of the compass, compass points. The direction is the opposite of north and is perpendicular to both east and west. Etymology The word ''south'' comes from Old English ''sūþ'', from earlier Pro ...

and Central America.

Description

As its common name implies, ''E. bonariensis'' is the smallest species of bonneted bat. Adults measure in total length, and typically weigh between . However, there is a significant variation in size between the different

subspecies In biological classification, subspecies is a rank below species, used for populations that live in different areas and vary in size, shape, or other physical characteristics (morphology), but that can successfully interbreed. Not all species ...

, with the smallest, ''E. b. nanus'', weighing as little as . The fur is thick and silky, and ranges from cinnamon to dark chocolate brown, being noticeably paler on the underside of the body. The head has a broad snout with a fringe of stiff hairs on the upper lip, and long, wide, ears connected by a small membrane. The wing membranes are black, but are covered with sparse hairs close to the arms. Males have been observed to have glands on the throat that become enlarged during the breeding season.

Distribution and habitat

Dwarf bonneted bats are found from southern Mexico through the whole of Central America, and in every country of South America except Chile. They inhabit a wide range of environments, from dense rainforest to dry thorny scrub. They are most commonly found in lowland habitats, but have been found as high as in Colombia. Up to four subspecies are recognised: * ''Eumops bonariensis bonariensis'' - Uruguay and neighbouring regions of Brazil and Argentina * ''Eumops bonariensis beckeri'' - Peru, southern Brazil,

Bolivia , image_flag = Bandera de Bolivia (Estado).svg , flag_alt = Horizontal tricolor (red, yellow, and green from top to bottom) with the coat of arms of Bolivia in the center , flag_alt2 = 7 × 7 square p ...

, Paraguay, northern Argentina * ''Eumops bonariensis delticus'' - northern Brazil, neighbouring regions of other countries * ''Eumops bonariensis nanus'' - Ecuador,

Colombia Colombia (, ; ), officially the Republic of Colombia, is a country in South America with insular regions in North America—near Nicaragua's Caribbean coast—as well as in the Pacific Ocean. The Colombian mainland is bordered by the Car ...

, Venezuela, the Guyanas, and north to southern Mexico However, ''E. b. beckeri'' is sometimes considered synonymous with the

Patagonian bonneted bat The Patagonian bonneted bat (''Eumops patagonicus''), also called the Patagonian dwarf bonneted bat, is a species of free-tailed bat found in Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. Taxonomy and etymology It was described as a new species in 1924 by Br ...

Biology

Dwarf bonneted bats feed on flying insects, primarily beetles and moths. They roost in small groups of up to twenty individuals, and are often found sleeping in the roofs of buildings. They are rapid fliers, often remaining high above the ground. They often make loud calls that are audible to humans. Breeding has been recorded from March to June in Mexico, and from October to November at the southern end of the bat's range. Females give birth to a single young.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q301982 Mammals of Colombia Bats of Central America Mammals described in 1800 Bats of South America Taxa named by George Shaw