Molossus (bat)
Molossus currentium
The Samtfledermäuse ( Molossus ) are a genus of bulldog bats, which is native to Central and South America.
Description
The Samtfledermäuse reach a head -body length of 50-95 mm. They have a long tail of 20-70 mm in length and weigh 10-30 grams. The fur color varies from reddish brown, hazel and dark brown to black. The genus Molossus sees the genera Tadarida and Molossops very similar, but differs in the shape of the skull and tooth structure. An important feature of this genus are the ears, converge their base on the forehead.
Way of life
The Samtfledermäuse occur in different tropical habitats and feed exclusively on insects. You are among those bats that fly out before the sunset to search for food. Because of their long, narrow wings, they are fast, but little agile hunters that rely on an open air space and therefore usually only hunt at high altitude. Colonies consisting often be found from several hundred individuals and are in caves, rock crevices, hollow logs and buildings.
Types and distribution
- M. aztecus: southern Mexico to Nicaragua
- M. barnesi: southern Mexico to Colombia
- M. coibensis: southern Mexico to Brazil
- Bonda - Samtfledermaus (M. currentium, formerly Molossus bondae ): west and southern Mexico to northern Costa Rica
- Large Samtfledermaus (M. molossus ): southern Costa Rica to Suriname
- M. pretiosus: Honduras to Venezuela
- Red Samtfledermaus (M. rufus, formerly Molossus ater): Mexico to Argentina
- M. sinaloae: Mexico to Paraguay and Suriname
M. rufus was often referred to as M. ater ater which led to confusion with another species of bat Eumops. M. currentium usually reported in the literature bondae M.. However, since M. currentium is the older term, this is preferred today.
Distribution area of Molossus barnesi
Distribution area of Molossus coibensis
Distribution area of the Bonda Samtfledermaus ( Molossus currentium )
Distribution area of the Great Samtfledermaus ( Molossus molossus )
Distribution area of Molossus pretiosus
Distribution area of the Red Samtfledermaus ( Molossus rufus)
Sinaloae distribution area of Molossus