Jamaican fig-eating bat

Ariteus flavescens is a species of fruit vampires that is endemic to Jamaica. It is the only species of its genus.

Appearance

This is a medium-sized bat. The body length is 6 to 6.5 cm, a tail is missing. The wings are broad and relatively short. The weight is 9.2 to 13.1 grams. Males are on average half a centimeter smaller than females. The coat is reddish brown on the upper side, light brown on the bottom. On both shoulders there is ever a conspicuous white spot.

Dissemination

Ariteus flavescens lives only in Jamaica. Although only ten localities is known there, it is assumed that the bat is spread over the whole island. The choice of habitat, the species is not picky; it was found in primary and secondary forests and coconut and banana plantations.

Way of life

The food is fruit and insects. Common food plants are Kirschmyrten ( Eugenia ) and Breiapfelbaum ( Manilkara ). The main enemies are owls.

System

The Red fruit vampire, together with the genera Ardops, Phyllops and Stenoderma the Caribbean subtribe of the tribe Stenodermatina Stenodermatini the fruit vampires.

Name

The genus name Ariteus means " martial", the species name flavescens " yellowish ". In English the way Jamaican Fig- eating Bat is called. A German name is not known. The naming of Jamaican fruit vampire, is used for a different type, Artibeus jamaicensis.

Swell

• Richard E. Sherwin, William L. Gannon: Ariteus flavescens. Mammalian Species No. 787, 2005.