Mexican funnel-eared bat
Species of bat (Natalus stramineus)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Mexican funnel-eared bat (Natalus stramineus) is a bat species. Despite its name, it is native to the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean.[2]
| Mexican funnel-eared bat | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Chiroptera |
| Family: | Natalidae |
| Genus: | Natalus |
| Species: | N. stramineus |
| Binomial name | |
| Natalus stramineus Gray, 1838 | |
Description
The Mexican funnel-eared bat gets its name from its very distinctive funnel-shaped ears. The face has a triangular shape, pale skin, and forward-tilting ears. Both sexes of this species are similar in size, unlike other species. They have brown fur, which becomes darker as it reaches the tip.[3] They tend to live in deep and very humid caves and have groups from 100 up to 10,000 bats.[4] Another prime difference in this bat species compared to other, is that the Natalus stramineus has the longest gestation period reported for bats (some seven months). The Mexican funnel-eared bat also has migrant characteristics since it must live in a highly humid environment. If the habitat is not as humid as their liking, their population in that habitat will drop due to many of the bats looking for a more suitable place to call home nearby.[5] This species displays slower flight speeds than others; as insectivores, the Natalus stramineus needs greater mobility to catch insects in densely vegetated areas.[6]
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