Lesser bulldog bat
Kingdom
Phylum
Subphylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Noctilio albiventris
Weight
18-44
0.6-1.6
goz
g oz 
Length
57-85
2.2-3.3
mminch
mm inch 

The lesser bulldog bat (Noctilio albiventris ) is an insectivorous and occasionally carnivorous bat of the (Neotropics), ranging through Central America and northern South America. Some unique characteristics of the bat include, large feet that are used to rake the surface of water to capture prey, and precise echolocation. Occasionally, the larger bats catch and consume small fish (the most closely related species, the greater bulldog bat, is known for its fishing ability).

Appearance

The lesser bulldog bat is a sexually dimoprhic species; males are typically bright red and females are typically dull brown. Furthermore, coloration varies between individuals among the same sex, and between different populations. They have a length of about three inches (7.5 cm), a forearm length of 2+1⁄2 inches (6.4 cm), and weight of about one ounce (30 grams). The bats plump lips and chin that has well-developed cross ridges give rise to the bats "bulldog" like appearance. The lesser bulldog bat has large feet that are claw-like and can be used capture prey.

Distribution

Geography

The bats prefer terrestrial habitats and they live near water or damp locations, residing in hollow trees or domestic dwellings. The locations that they can be found in includes, Argentina; Belize; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Costa Rica; Ecuador; El Salvador; French Guiana; Guatemala; Guyana; Honduras; Mexico; Nicaragua; Panama; Paraguay; Peru

Lesser bulldog bat habitat map

Climate zones

Lesser bulldog bat habitat map
Lesser bulldog bat
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Habits and Lifestyle

Lifestyle

Diet and Nutrition

The species ptefers to feed predominantly on insects, catching them while flying over water. Studies on Costa Rican population say that the bats also consume tree pollen.

Mating Habits

PREGNANCY DURATION
4 to 5 weeks
BABY CARRYING
1

References

1. Lesser bulldog bat Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesser_bulldog_bat
2. Lesser bulldog bat on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/14829/22019978

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