Little Big-eared Bat

The little big-eared bat (''Micronycteris megalotis'') is a bat species in the order Chiroptera and family Phyllostomidae. It is from South and Central America particularly Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, Suriname and Trinidad. Though its exact population is unknown, it is considered widespread and occurs in protected areas, although deforestation may be a minor threat, it is classified as Least Concern. It is found in multistratal evergreen forests and dry thorn forests and forages near streams and is found hollow trees, logs, caverns, or houses with groups up to twelve. The head and body length measures at for males and for females. Males usually weigh about while females weigh .

Description

''Micronycteris megalotis'' is considered a small bat for its genus, although the size varies slightly depending on geographical location. It has large ears which are characteristic of its species. It has a large nose pad that is generally twice as high as it is wide. The head is elongated and eyes are small and black. ''M. megalotis'' has short wings that are wide and are relatively short. The wings are attached to the feet, which are long and slender. Their short and wide wings allow for better maneuverability in their habitat.

''M. megalotis'' has brown fur with white spots on its underbelly. Color may vary though depending on the geographical region. In juveniles, fur is slightly shorter in length (7 mm). The fringe of fur on the inner border of the ear is dense and variable in length (3–6 mm), and also varies with the age of the bat. ''M. megalotis'' has a small and slender skull, with a high forehead. Teeth are relatively primitive; the upper incisors are large while the outer incisors are small. The upper canines are heavy and dissimilar. Premolars are approximately the same size and molars have W-shaped lophs.

Diet

The little big-eared bat feeds mostly on insects and possibly fruit, currently there is not enough data to determine if this species eats a large amount of fruit or to pinpoint what kind of fruit it eats. Small beetles make up the majority of this bat’s diet, with grasshoppers, crickets, cockroaches, and katydids coming in second. Diet of these bats may depend on the season. Diet may also depend on the foraging habitat, but it usually eats noisy insects. ''M. megalotis'' is an opportunistic feeder. Its stomach is relatively simple. ''M. megalotis'' may alternate its diet between insects, fruit, nectar, and pollen, consuming the latter when insect populations are low. ''M. megalotis'' is slow-flying and highly maneuverable and is also able to hover. Although their food is mainly composed of flying insects and caught mid-flight, it can also find food while perched on vegetation.

Ecology

''M. megalotis'' is widely distributed and can be found in many habitats including wet and dry areas, evergreen and deciduous forests, swamps, and clearings. These bats occur throughout South America, Central America, and Mexico. In its genus, ''Micronycteris'', ''M. megalotis'' is thought to be the most widely distributed. They occupy small caverns, crevices of rocky outcrops, spaces under bridges, tunnels, buildings, and houses. At lower elevations, these bats may roost in hollow trees and logs.

Currently, there are no records of causes of mortality. It is speculated that habitat destruction may be a major concern for these bats, but there is no evidence for this.

References

Alonso-Mejía, A. & Medellín, R.A. 1991. ''Micronycteris megalotis''. Mammalian Species. 376:1-6.

{{Taxonbar, from=Q1831491

Micronycteris
Bats of South America
Bats of Brazil
Mammals of Colombia
Bats of the Caribbean
Mammals described in 1842
Taxa named by John Edward Gray