Molossops

Molossops is a genus of the family of bulldog bats ( Molossidae ) whose representatives are native to South America.

Description

Molossops species have a head -body length of 40-95 mm, a forearm length of 28-51 mm and weigh 5-12 g The tail is free as with other representatives of the Bulldog bats and in this genus 14-37 mm long. The coat color is variable from yellowish brown to rust red to almost black, the abdominal region is always brighter. The genus sees the Samtfledermäusen ( genus Molossus ) is similar, but differs from the latter by the presence of a denser pubescence on the underside of the wing along the forearm. The face is broad, the ears far apart and the lips have no wrinkles. In contrast to the genus Myopterus Molossops does not have two pits in the sphenoid.

Way of life

Molossops types are like most bats nocturnal and feed on insects. They spend the day in hollow logs and other tree cavities. They live in different tropical habitats and are, like other members of the Bulldog bats agile crawlers and fast flyer.

Types and distribution

• M. aequatorianus - Only found in Ecuador around the city of Guayaquil. The species is classified by the IUCN as endangered ( "vulnerable ").
• M. mattogrossensis - Venezuela to Brazil
• M. neglectus - In the Amazon basin and southern Brazil. The species was not described until 1980.
• M. temminckii - Venezuela to Central Argentina