Natal free-tailed bat
| Natal free-tailed bat | |
|---|---|
| |
| Type illustration by Paul Jossigny from 1770 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Subgenus: | M. (Mormopterus)
|
| Species: | M. acetabulosus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Mormopterus acetabulosus Hermann, 1804
| |
| Synonyms | |
| |
The Natal free-tailed bat (Mormopterus acetabulosus) is a species of bat in the family Molossidae, the free-tailed bats. It is native to the islands of Mauritius and Réunion. It is known from fewer than five locations in its range, but it is common at a few sites. It roosts in caves, and it is considered to be an endangered species due to disturbance of its cave habitat.[1]
Taxonomy and etymology
It was described as a new species in 1804 by French naturalist Johann Hermann. Hermann placed it in the genus Vespertilio.[2]
Description
The Natal free-tailed bat is a very small species of bat. Its upper lip is very wrinkled. Its ears are small and connected in the back by a thin interaural membrane. Males have a sebaceous gland, as with some other free-tailed bats, but they do not have an interaural crest. Its dental formula is 1.1.1.33.1.2.3 for a total of 30 teeth.[2]
References
- ^ a b Bergmans, W.; Hutson, A.M.; Oleksy, R.; Taylor, F. (2017). "Mormopterus acetabulosus". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T71733227A22085232.
- ^ a b Kingdon, J.; Happold, D.; Butynski, T.; Hoffmann, M.; Happold, M.; Kalina, J. (2013). Mammals of Africa. Vol. 4. A&C Black. p. 473-474. ISBN 9781408189962.
.jpg?lang=en){kind=small} | This Molossidae-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |