Dwarf dog-faced bat

Dwarf dog-faced bat
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Chiroptera
Family:	Molossidae
Genus:	Molossops
Species:	M. temminckii
Binomial name
Molossops temminckii Burmeister, 1854

The dwarf dog-faced bat (Molossops temminckii), is a bat species from South America. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Paraguay and Uruguay.^[2]

They are considered an abundant species, and are listed as a species of "least concern" on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution, presumed large population, and the unlikelihood of decline.

Taxonomy

The dwarf dog-faced bat is classified in the order Chiroptera and the family Molossidae with the other free-tailed bats. The genus Molossops encompasses 4 species of broad-faced bats including M. temminckii. The species was named for Coenraad Jacob Temminck, a Dutch zoologist.

Physical Description

Dwarf dog-faced bats are free-tailed bats and thus have a bony tail with no tail sheath and exhibit bilateral symmetry. Dog-faced bats get their name from their dog-like protruding snout. This particular species is considered to be the smallest in their genus, and possibly the smallest in Paraguay with an average length of about 33 mm. They have broad skulls that are flattened back to front, with small eyes and erect, well-separated ears that are typically short. The tragus is short and triangular, with a broad, square antitragus. The dental formula for dwarf dog-faced bats is 1/1-2 I, 1-1 C, 1-2/2 P, 3/3 M, with a total of 26-30 teeth. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males being slightly larger than females. Males of this species also have a scent gland which is used to mark their colony members with a distinct odor. In females, this gland is rudimentary or missing completely. Their average wingspan is about .222 m, males typically having a larger average wingspan.^[3]

Dwarf dog-faced bats do not have a known lifespan, but bats are estimated to live up to 20 or 30 years (extreme cases), with most species averaging 4–5 years.

Diet

This species is insectivorous and forages in groups. They generally eat small beetles, termites, winged ants, and moths. Some have been appeared to consume pollen as well, which is pretty common in insectivorous bats, but this is not confirmed as the pollen could have been picked up while foraging for insects in flowers.

This species is nocturnal, and utilizes echolocation to hunt for prey. They have been observed to roost near food sources to minimize foraging costs.

Reproduction

This species of bat utilizes a polygynous mating system, with males mating with many females in a single breeding season. The breeding season varies region to region, from July in Brazil to late August/early September in Paraguay. In Argentina, reproduction happens in October and November. Pregnant and lactating females roost in maternity colonies and stay separate from males. Successful mating results in the female producing one pup each year, with occasional twins occurring. Gestation is about 2–3 months long and the pups are generally weaned 5–6 weeks after birth.

Distribution and Habitat

Dwarf dog-faced bats are found exclusively in the neotropical region of the world, living in almost every country in South America.

They are found mostly in Amazonian rainforests and semi-deciduous forests, staying near the edges. They also are known to occur in dry lowland areas. Caves, rock crevices, tree cavaties, foliage, and holes in the ground are common roost areas for them. These bats can be found at sea level to areas at elevations of over 1000 m at the base of the Andes.

References

• Infonatura