MacConnell's bat

Mesophylla macconnelli

Mesophylla macconnelli (also Vampyressa macconnelli ) is a species of bat in the family of leaf lobes ( Phyllostomidae ). Until 1962, she was assigned to the genus Ectophylla, belongs to the well -known the white bat ( Ectophylla alba). It is in the tropical rainforest in Central and South America spread. The name Mesophylla macconnelli derives from the Greek mesos ( = medium) and from phyllon ( = leaf ). The species is named after the scientist, which the expedition during which the species was discovered significant support.

Description

Mesophylla macconnelli weighs an average of 8 g, which is slightly larger than Ectophylla alba. Another difference is the cream-colored instead of white fur. The ears and the nose are usually yellowish leaf, the wing membrane dark brown to black.

Way of life

Mesophylla macconnelli one of those bat species, daytime use which leaves of certain tropical aroids and palms as a hanging place. Modify the sheet by gnawing the ribs so that the sheet coincides tented in itself. Thus protected from the weather and predators, they spend the day in groups of up to 8 individuals. Bitch get a pup per year and hang during the suckling period to maturity of the offspring mostly alone on a hillside place they change every few days. Mesophylla macconnelli eats only fruits.

Distribution and habitat

The proliferation of Mesophylla macconnelli ranges from Nicaragua to the Amazon of Brazil. Despite the constant threat of habitat destruction their inventory thanks to the widespread use of the IUCN is considered safely.