Velvety free-tailed bat
| Velvety free-tailed bat | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Chiroptera |
| Family: | Molossidae |
| Genus: | Molossus |
| Species: | M. molossus |
| Binomial name | |
| Molossus molossus (Pallas, 1766) | |
 | |
| Velvety free-tailed bat range | |
The velvety free-tailed bat or Pallas's mastiff bat[2] (Molossus molossus), is a bat species in the family Molossidae.
Description
M. molossus is a medium-sized bat, with a length of 4" and with a wingspan of 11-13". This species is brown in color, however, when seen flying around at dusk, it will appear to be black. The tail of M. molossus is long and extends beyond the tail membrane. Its ears are large and round.
Feeding
M. molossus forages in open areas, above tree canopies, around forest edges, and around streams and ponds. Its diet includes moths, beetles, and flying ants. It is commonly seen at dusk, where it will fly solo, catching insects in the air.
Distribution and habitat
It occurs in the Americas from Argentina north to Cuba and Mexico and also the Florida Keys in the United States.[1] It is very common in the Caribbean.
References
- 1 2 Barquez, R., Rodriguez, B., Miller, B. & Diaz, M. (2008). "Molossus molossus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 7 February 2010.
- ↑ "Velvety free-tailed bat". Florida Bat Center. 2005.
"Stokes Beginner's Guide to Bats" by Kim Williams, Rob Mies Donald and Lillian Stokes