Aztec mastiff bat

The Aztec mastiff bat (Molossus aztecus) is a species of bat in the family Molossidae.[2] It is found from Jalisco and Cozumel Island in southern Mexico to Nicaragua (it has been reported from Guatemala but not from El Salvador or Honduras) in a variety of forest habitats at elevations from near sea level to 1300 m.[1] It has also been reported from southern Venezuela.[1] The species' diet is insectivorous.[1]

Aztec mastiff bat
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Chiroptera
Family:	Molossidae
Genus:	Molossus
Species:	M. aztecus
Binomial name
Molossus aztecus Saussure, 1860
Aztec mastiff bat range
Synonyms
Dysopes aztecus Saussure, 1860 Molossus molossus aztecus Saussure, 1860

Taxonomy and etymology

It was described as a new species in 1860 by Swiss scientist Henri Saussure.[3] Its species name "aztecus" refers to the indigenous Aztecs of Mexico, where this species was first documented.

Description

It is one of the smallest bats of the genus Molossus. Its fur is chocolate brown and its patagia, nose, and ears are very dark brown. Individuals weigh 12–16 g (0.42–0.56 oz). Its forearm length is 34–35 mm (1.3–1.4 in). Its dental formula is 1.1.1.31.1.2.3 for a total of 26 teeth.[4]

Biology and ecology

It is nocturnal, foraging for its insect prey at night and roosting in hollow trees during the day. Unusually for its genus, females may become pregnant while still nursing a pup.[4]

Range and habitat

It is endemic to Mexico. It is generally documented at elevations greater than 1,500 m (4,900 ft) above sea level.[4]

References

1. Solari, S. (2019). "Molossus aztecus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T13645A22107522. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
2. Simmons, N.B. (2005). "Order Chiroptera". In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 440. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
3. Saussure, H. M. (1860). "Note sur quelques mammifères du Mexique". Revue et magasin de zoologie pure et appliquée. 2. 12: 285–286.
4. Ceballos, G.; Cabrales, J. A.; Vazquez, D. (2014). Ceballos, G. (ed.). Mammals of Mexico. JHU Press. pp. 767–768. ISBN 978-1421408439. OCLC 900027107.