Aztec fruit-eating bat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aztec fruit-eating bat |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Dermanura
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| Species: |
azteca
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| Aztec fruit-eating bat range | |
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The Aztec fruit-eating bat (Dermanura azteca) is a type of bat. It belongs to the Phyllostomidae family, also known as the New World leaf-nosed bats. This bat is known for eating fruits.
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What is the Aztec Fruit-Eating Bat?
This special bat was first described in 1906. A Danish scientist named Knud Andersen gave it its name. The very first bat of this kind studied was found in Tetela del Volcán, Mexico. Its name, aztecus, comes from the Aztecs. They were an ancient group of people from Mexico.
How Big is This Bat?
The Aztec fruit-eating bat is one of the biggest bats in its group. It does not have a tail. Its forearm is about 35 to 41 millimeters (1.4 to 1.6 inches) long. This bat usually weighs between 18 and 24 grams (0.6 to 0.8 ounces). That's about as much as a few strawberries! It has 28 teeth in total.
What Does the Aztec Bat Do?
This bat is a nocturnal animal. This means it is active at night. During the day, it rests in safe places. These places can be old mines, empty wells, or even tree branches.
What Does it Eat?
The Aztec fruit-eating bat loves to eat fruit. It enjoys fruits from plants like Crataegus mexicana and Prunus serotina. It also eats cones from trees such as Cupressus and Juniperus. Sometimes, it will also eat insects.
Where Does the Aztec Bat Live?
You can find the Aztec fruit-eating bat in several countries. These include Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Panama. It lives in places that are high up. These areas can be from 600 to 3,000 meters (2,000 to 9,800 feet) above sea level. In Mexico, it is most often found around 2,000 meters (6,600 feet) high.
