Yellow-throated big-eared bat


The yellow-throated big-eared bat or orange-throated bat is a species of bat from South and Central America, where it ranges from southern Mexico to Brazil. It is monotypic within the genus Lampronycteris. A frugivore and insectivore, it is found in lowland forest up to an elevation of 700 m. Its activity is greatest in the first two hours after sunset, and peaks again after midnight.

Description

The yellow-throated big-eared bat is characterized as a "medium-sized" leaf-nosed bat. Its ears are short and pointed, and its nose-leaf is relatively small. Its dorsal fur is dark brown or orange brown, and the ventral fur is orange or reddish-yellow. Individual bats weigh and have forearm lengths of. The bat's dental formula is for a total of 34 teeth.

Biology and ecology

The yellow-throated big-eared bat is primarily an insectivore, but it will also consume fruit, nectar, and pollen. It is nocturnal, roosting in sheltered places during the day, such as caves, mines, hollow trees, and archaeological ruins. It generally roosts in small colonies consisting of 10 or fewer individuals, though a colony of 300 individuals was once documented in Mexico.

Range and habitat

It is found in several countries in Central and South America.Its range includes: Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. It is generally found in lowland areas below above sea level, though it has been documented at up to above sea level.