Dwarf bonneted bat
The dwarf bonneted bat, or Peters' mastiff bat, is a bat species from South and Central America.
Description
As its common name implies, E. bonariensis is the smallest species of bonneted bat. Adults measure in total length, and typically weigh between. However, there is a significant variation in size between the different subspecies, with the smallest, E. b. nanus, weighing as little as.The fur is thick and silky, and ranges from cinnamon to dark chocolate brown, being noticeably paler on the underside of the body. The head has a broad snout with a fringe of stiff hairs on the upper lip, and long, wide, ears connected by a small membrane. The wing membranes are black, but are covered with sparse hairs close to the arms. Males have been observed to have glands on the throat that become enlarged during the breeding season.
Distribution and habitat
Dwarf bonneted bats are found from southern Mexico through the whole of Central America, and in every country of South America except Chile. They inhabit a wide range of environments, from dense rainforest to dry thorny scrub. They are most commonly found in lowland habitats, but have been found as high as in Colombia. Up to four subspecies are recognised:Eumops bonariensis bonariensis – Uruguay and neighbouring regions of Brazil and ArgentinaEumops bonariensis beckeri – Peru, southern Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, northern ArgentinaEumops bonariensis delticus – northern Brazil, neighbouring regions of other countriesEumops bonariensis nanus – Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas, and north to southern MexicoHowever, E. b. beckeri is sometimes considered synonymous with the Patagonian bonneted bat.