Miller's mastiff bat facts for kids
Miller's mastiff bat (scientific name: Molossus pretiosus) is a type of bat that belongs to the family Molossidae. These bats live in several countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
Quick facts for kids Miller's mastiff bat |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Molossus
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| Species: |
pretiosus
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| Miller's mastiff bat range | |
Contents
Where Miller's Mastiff Bats Live
Miller's mastiff bats are found in specific parts of the world. They live in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. These bats mostly prefer to live in lowland areas.
What Miller's Mastiff Bats Look Like
Miller's mastiff bats have strong bodies. They have a wide body and narrow wings. Their lower jaw is thicker compared to other mastiff bats. They also have a special pattern on their molar teeth. They are missing their third premolar tooth.
Male bats are usually bigger than female bats. A fully grown adult bat weighs about 20 to 28 grams. When they are born, baby Miller's mastiff bats weigh only about a quarter of an adult's weight. Their fur color can be different, from black to a reddish color. Their chest often has white fur spots, and their ears are black.
How Miller's Mastiff Bats Behave
Miller's mastiff bats like to live in open areas. They are often found in grasslands. They also make their homes in caves, dry woodlands, and even on roofs of buildings. Sometimes, they live in thorny bush areas.
These bats usually live near water sources. This could be a river, a lake, or a watering hole. Water is important for them to drink and to find food. Miller's mastiff bats are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night. They start flying around at dusk. This is when their food sources also become active. They often fly in a single line when they travel. Their main food is insects, such as beetles and moths.
Protecting Miller's Mastiff Bats
Miller's mastiff bat is currently listed as a "Least Concern" species. This means they are not at high risk of becoming extinct. One reason for this is that they can adjust to different living places. They also live in many protected areas. Scientists do not know of any major threats to Miller's mastiff bats right now.
