Heller's broad-nosed bat

Platyrrhinus helleri

The bat Platyrrhinus helleri belongs to the family of the leaf lobes ( Phyllostomidae ) and is native to Central and South America.

Description

Platyrrhinus helleri is a medium sized member of the genus the stripes Fruit vampires. Like other species of this genus has also Platyrrhinus helleri a distinctive bright stripe on the back, which begins between the ears and ends at the tail wing membrane, as well as a strip, and under the eyes. The coat of Platyrrhinus helleri is mostly brown, with the belly fur is lighter than the coat on the back. From other members of the genus Platyrrhinus it differs by the hairy edge of the tail wing membrane.

Platyrrhinus helleri weighs on average 14 g and has a wingspan of up to 30 cm. As representatives of the sheet tabs it has a pronounced nose leaf.

The name derives from the Greek platys Platyrrhinus ( = flat, flat ) and rhinos ( = nose) from. The species name honors Charles Bartholomew helleri Heller, who collected the type of this kind.

Way of life

Platyrrhinus helleri is a species of bat that is mainly found in the tropical rain forest, although some fish were caught even in dry tropical regions such as those found in Mexico.

Platyrrhinus helleri uses during the day along with caves and hollow trees and large leaves and palm fronds as a hanging place. Made by people hiding places such as tunnels, bridges and buildings are used.

The main food source of Platyrrhinus helleri are figs and other fruits. In a study made ​​in figs average of 67% of the stomach contents. Thus, this bat furagiert mainly in the canopy and is an important seed dispersers. In addition to plant food takes Platyrrhinus helleri rare insects to him.

Distribution and habitat

The proliferation of Platyrrhinus helleri ranges from southern Mexico through Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia to the west of Brazil. It occurs up to an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level. Despite the constant threat of habitat destruction their inventory by the IUCN is classified as stable and safely thanks to the wide distribution and relative abundance.