Dwarf bonneted bat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dwarf bonneted bat |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eumops
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| Species: |
bonariensis
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| Distribution of Eumops bonariensis | |
The dwarf bonneted bat is a small bat that lives in parts of South and Central America. It's also sometimes called Peters' mastiff bat. Its scientific name is Eumops bonariensis.
Contents
What Does the Dwarf Bonneted Bat Look Like?
The dwarf bonneted bat is the smallest kind of bonneted bat. Adult bats are usually about 9 to 13 centimeters (3.5 to 5 inches) long. They typically weigh between 12 and 20 grams (0.4 to 0.7 ounces). However, their size can vary a lot depending on where they live. The smallest type, called E. b. nanus, can weigh as little as 7 grams (0.25 ounces).
These bats have thick, soft fur. Their fur can be cinnamon brown to dark chocolate brown. It is usually lighter on their belly. They have a wide nose with stiff hairs on their upper lip. Their ears are long and wide, and they are connected by a small piece of skin. Their wings are black. They have a few hairs near their arms. Male bats have special glands on their throat. These glands get bigger when it's time for them to have babies.
Where Do Dwarf Bonneted Bats Live?
Dwarf bonneted bats live in many places. You can find them from southern Mexico all the way through Central America. They also live in almost every country in South America, except Chile.
These bats can live in many different environments. This includes thick rainforests and dry, thorny areas. They are most often found in low-lying areas. But they have also been seen high up in the mountains, even at 1,000 meters (about 3,300 feet) in Colombia.
Scientists recognize up to four different types, or subspecies, of this bat:
- Eumops bonariensis bonariensis - Found in Uruguay and nearby parts of Brazil and Argentina.
- Eumops bonariensis beckeri - Lives in Peru, southern Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina.
- Eumops bonariensis delticus - Found in northern Brazil and nearby countries.
- Eumops bonariensis nanus - Lives in Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas, and north to southern Mexico.
Sometimes, E. b. beckeri is thought to be the same as the Patagonian bonneted bat.
Dwarf Bonneted Bat Life and Habits
Dwarf bonneted bats eat flying insects. They mostly hunt beetles and moths. They usually rest in small groups. These groups can have up to twenty bats. They often sleep in the roofs of buildings.
These bats are very fast flyers. They often fly high above the ground. They also make loud calls that people can hear.
When it comes to having babies, the timing changes with location. In Mexico, babies are born from March to June. In the southern parts of their range, babies are born from October to November. Female bats usually give birth to one baby at a time.
See also
In Spanish: Murciélago de sombrerete menudo para niños
