Talamancan yellow-shouldered bat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Talamancan yellow-shouldered bat |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sturnira
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| Species: |
mordax
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The Talamancan yellow-shouldered bat (Sturnira mordax) is a type of bat that lives in the forests of Costa Rica and Panama. It belongs to the bat family called Phyllostomidae. This bat is special because it is found only in these two countries. There are no different kinds or subspecies of this bat.
About This Bat
This bat is quite small. Adult bats are only about 6 centimeters (2.4 inches) long from head to body. They weigh between 20 and 28 grams (about 0.7 to 1 ounce). Male bats are usually a bit bigger than females.
The Talamancan yellow-shouldered bat looks a lot like its close relative, the highland yellow-shouldered bat. However, it has a darker color all over its body. Its head is also longer and narrower. This bat has larger canine teeth, which are the pointy teeth used for biting.
Its forearm, which is part of its wing, has thick fur on about one-third of its length. But its back feet have only a few hairs. Other special features include a small notch at the tip of its tragus, which is a small flap of skin in front of the ear canal. It also has two points on each of its upper middle incisors, which are its front teeth. This bat has a simple nose-leaf, which is a fleshy growth on its nose. Its ears are short and pointy, and it does not have a tail.
Life and Habits
Not much is known about the daily life of the Talamancan yellow-shouldered bat. Scientists believe that these bats can have babies throughout the entire year. This means they might not have a specific breeding season.
Where It Lives
The Talamancan yellow-shouldered bat was first described by a scientist named George Goodwin in 1938. At first, people thought it only lived in Costa Rica. But in the 1980s, it was also found in Panama. Some reports said it might also live in Colombia and Ecuador, but these reports have since been found to be incorrect.
This bat lives in damp tropical forests. It can be found at high places, up to 3,000 meters (about 9,800 feet) above sea level. In these forests, the bat eats fruits. Some of its favorite fruits come from plants like Cecropia, Anthurium, Centropogon, and Musa (which includes bananas).
In the past, these bats could also be found in lower areas. But because of recent changes in the local climate, they are now rare below about 1,250 meters (about 4,100 feet). This means they prefer to live in cooler, higher places now.
See also
In Spanish: Sturnira mordax para niños
