Fierce bonneted bat, Chestnut mastiff bat
Eumops ferox, the fierce bonneted bat or the chestnut mastiff bat, is a species of free-tailed bat found in the Caribbean and Mexico. Until recently, it was synonymous with Wagner's bonneted bat.
This is the species of bat that Philip Henry Gosse referred to as the chestnut mastiff bat in his 1851 book, A Naturalist's Sojourn in Jamaica.Its ears are so large that they hang over its face.It has long, narrow wings.Like other members of its genus, it has a gular-thoracic gland, with the glands of the males producing a "very rank odour."Its ears are hairless, while its toes have long, bristly hairs.From head to tail, it is 131–151 mm (5.2–5.9 in).Its tail is 49–58 mm (1.9–2.3 in) long; its forearm is 57 mm (2.2 in) long.Individuals weigh approximately 38 g (1.3 oz).
It is found in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America.
E. ferox is a nocturnal species, roosting in sheltered places during the day such as underneath roof shingles.These roosts will consist of multiple individuals, with one roost containing 15 individuals, as it is a colonial species.It emerges from its roost shortly after sunset to forage.It is insectivorous.It is monoestrous, with a single annual breeding season.Pregnant females have been documented April through June, while lactating females have been documented in June and July.The litter size is one young, called a pup.Most females give birth in late June, with lactation lasting 5–6 weeks.
