Fringe-lipped
Bat Trachops cirrhosus
The
single species, T. cirrhosus has a head and body length
of 76-88 mm, tail length of 12-21 mm and forearm length of 57-64
mm. Weights average 32.3 grams. Upper parts are dark reddish
brown, cinnamon brown and underparts are a dull brown with gray.
This bat can be distinguished by its wart-studded lips and chin.
The second lower molar is also of an unusually small size and
peculiar position. T. cirrhosus roosts in hollow trees,
caves and abandoned buildings.
The main diet consists of insects and small vertebrates such
as lizards, and some fruit. It has been shown that T. cirrhosus
locates frogs by sound and distinguishes their calls to determine
if they are poisonous or not.
The breeding season seems to be greatly extended or geographically
variable as pregnant or lactating females have been collected
at various time of the year.
T. cirrhosus occurs in Oaxaca (Mexico) to Guinas, SE
Brazil, Bolivia and Ecuador; and Trinidad.
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