Gray short-tailed bat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gray short-tailed bat |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Carollia
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| Species: |
subrufa
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| Gray short-tailed bat range | |
The gray short-tailed bat is also known as Hahn's short-tailed bat. Its scientific name is Carollia subrufa. This small bat is part of the Phyllostomidae family. You can find it living in Mexico and Central America.
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About the Gray Short-Tailed Bat
The gray short-tailed bat is a fairly small bat. It usually measures about 6.4 to 7.3 centimeters (2.5 to 2.9 inches) long. It weighs between 12 and 19 grams (0.4 to 0.7 ounces).
Physical Features
These bats have fur that is gray to gray-brown on their backs. Their bellies are a lighter gray. Their wings and tail membranes are also gray-brown. They have triangular ears and a short snout. A special feature is their pointed, triangular nose leaf on their face. As their name suggests, their tail is short. It does not reach the edge of the membrane between their legs, called the uropatagium.
Differences Between Males and Females
Interestingly, female gray short-tailed bats are usually bigger than the males. This difference in size between males and females of the same species is called sexual dimorphism.
Where They Live
The gray short-tailed bat lives in dry tropical forests. They can be found at elevations up to 1,200 meters (about 3,900 feet) above sea level. Their main home stretches from southern Tabasco in Mexico, along the Pacific coast of Central America. This includes countries like Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and northern Costa Rica.
What They Eat and How They Live
The gray short-tailed bat is an omnivore. This means it eats both plants and animals. Their diet includes insects, fruits, and nectar from flowers.
Favorite Foods
Some of their favorite fruits come from trees like breadnut, Cecropia peltata, and figs. They also enjoy Jamaican cherries and fruits from the pepper plant.
Social Life and Roosts
These bats are very social animals. They like to live together in groups called communal roosts. They find shelter in places like caves, hollow trees, or other safe spots. Sometimes, they even share their roosts with other types of bats. For example, they might live alongside Pallas's long-tongued bat or the long-legged bat.
Reproduction
Gray short-tailed bats can have babies throughout the entire year.
