Pocketed free-tailed bat

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Pocketed free-tailed bat
File:Pocketed free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops femorosaccus).jpg
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Mammalia
Order:
Chiroptera
Family:
Molossidae
Genus:
Nyctinomops
Species:
N. femorosaccus
Binomial name
Nyctinomops femorosaccus
(Merriam, 1899)

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The pocketed free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops femorosaccus) is a species of bat in the family Molossidae found in Mexico and in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas in the United States. They resemble the Brazilian free-tailed bat ("Tadarida brasiliensis") but differ morphologically. They are classified within the order Chiroptera. They are recognized as "un-threatened" by the IUCN and as "apparently secure" by Natureserve categories.[2]

Characteristics

The pocketed free-tailed bat shares similar features with the Brazilian free-tailed bat ("Tadarida brasiliensis") but is larger in size. The name is derived from a skin fold stretching from the medial side of the femur to the middle of the tibia. This fold produces a shallow pocket on the underside of the interfemoral membrane in the vicinity of the knee. Some defining characteristics include: Ears joined at the midline; second phalanx of the 4th digit is less than 5mm; anterior part of hard palate narrowly excised; upper incisors placed close together with longitudinal axes nearly parallel.[3]

The pocketed free-tailed bat also has a large broad head with grooved lips. The face has many stiff hairs with spoonlike tips. The ears are thick and leathery with the presence of a dominant tragus. Body dimensions: body length~112mm; feet~10mm; tail~46mm; ears~23mm; forearms~46mm. Body mass range is 10-14 g (.35-.49 oz).[4]

Habitat and Ecology

Like other bats, this species is insectivorous; they eat a variety of insects including Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Homoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Orthoptera, Diptera, and Neuroptera. One research article showed that because of the limited flight maneuverability of the pocketed free-tailed bat vs the Brazilian free-tailed bat allowed the ladder a better predator advantage for certain species of insects (specifically beetles). It also showed that the insect species diet for the pocketed free-tailed bats varies with season. In June and July, Lepidoptera accounted for greatest volume of prey while diets in September and March consisting mostly of Hemiptera[5] Table 1. In the dry season, they seek drinking water from various open access water sources. The roosts are located in caves, crevices, mines, tunnels, and man-made structures [6] with colony sizes less than 100 individuals.[7]

Reproduction

Like other bats pocketed free-tailed bats exhibit delayed fertilization. They mate just prior to ovulation in the spring.[8] Their young are born in early July. The gestation period is about 70 to 90 days and when the young are finally born, they weigh 3-4 grams, or about 22% of the adult weight.[9] This new generation is able to fly within 1-1.5 months[10]

References

  1. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ Pocketed Free-tailed Bat. Pocketed Free-tailed Bat. Texas Parks and Wildlife, 01 Jan. 2012. Web. 21 Mar. 2015.
  4. ↑ Lancaster, Eric. "Nyctinomops Femorosaccus Pocketed Free-tailed Bat." Nyctinomops Femorosaccus Pocketed Free-tailed Bat. University of Michigan, 17 Feb. 2000. Web. 21 Mar. 2015.
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ "Insectivorous Bats." National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2 Apr. 2015. Web. 6 Apr. 2015.
  9. ↑ (Grzimek, 1990)
  10. ↑ (Wilson and Ruff, 1999)
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