Vampyressa
Vampyressa pusilla
Yellow-eared bats ( Vampyressa ) are a genus in the subfamily fruit Vampire ( Stenodermatinae ) with six species found in Central and South America.
Features
The German name refers to the yellow edges of the rounded ears. The fur of these bats has a light or dark brown to gray in color. In some species striking white face stripe occur, and some species have a different colored back strip. The nose leaf is pointed upward.
Yellow-eared bats achieve a head-body length of 4.3 to 6.5 cm, the weight is about 9-12 g The forearms, which are determining the wing span 3.0 to 3.8 cm long. Externally, no tail is visible.
Types and distribution
According to Wilson & Reeder (2005 ) are among six species of the genus.
- Vampyressa bidens, northern South America, the Amazon basin and adjacent regions.
- Vampyressa Brocki, from northeastern Peru to Suriname.
- Vampyressa melissa, narrow strip east of the Andes from Venezuela to Peru.
- Vampyressa Nymphaea, southern Mexico to northern Ecuador.
- Vampyressa pusilla, eastern Paraguay, southern Brazil and north-eastern tip of Argentina.
- Vampyressa Thyone, southern Mexico to northern Bolivia.
Way of life
The behavior of these bats is still being researched quite inadequate. They form the resting place small groups of two to seven copies, build a kind of tent as protection from large leaves. Presumably, the group a harem dar. From Vampyressa Nymphaea are just groups of one male, a few females and their offspring known. The mating season is dependent on the area of distribution. Like other vampires eat fruit Yellow-eared bats mainly fruits.
Status
The IUCN lists Vampyressa melissa as threatened ( vulnerable ), Vampyressa pusilla with insufficient data ( data deficient ) and all others as not threatened (Least Concern ).
Reference literature
- Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World. 2 vols. 6th edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD, inter alia, 1999, ISBN 0-8018-5789-9.