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Mammals of Zihuatanejo

CLASS MAMMALIA

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Chordates (Phylum Chordata)

-Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)

-Mammals (Class Mammalia)

-Therians (Subclass Theria)

-Placental Mammals (Infraclass Placentalia)

-Ungulates, Carnivorans, and Allies (Superorder Laurasiatheria)

-Bats (Order Chiroptera)

-Suborder Yangochiroptera)

-Sheath-tailed and Slit-faced Bats (Superfamily Emballonuroidea)

-Sheath-tailed Bats (Family Emballonuridae)

Typical Sheath-winged Bats (Subfamily Emballonurinae)

-Tribe Diclidurini)

-Genus (Balantiopteryx)

-Gray Sac-winged Bat (Balantiopteryx plicata)


The Balantiopteryx plicata, or Gray Sac-winged Bat, is a species of bat found in Central and South America. They inhabit habitats ranging from tropical rainforests to dry shrublands, as well as human made structures. These bats feed mainly on small insects, such as moths and beetles. They are distinguishable by their distinctive 'sac wings' which are the folds of skin that extend from the base of the neck to the hind legs.

Gray Sac-winged Bat

Balantiopteryx plicata

Diet

  • Insectivorous, feeding primarily on moths, beetles, flies, mosquitoes, termites, ants, caddisflies, and other flying insects.

  • Hunts shortly after sunset by capturing insects in flight over rivers, forest clearings, roads, and open areas.

  • Uses echolocation to detect and pursue prey with remarkable precision.

Range

  • Found from western and central Mexico south through Central America to Costa Rica.

  • In Mexico, it occurs along both the Pacific and Gulf slopes, including Guerrero and the Zihuatanejo region.

  • Common in suitable habitats from sea level to about 1,800 m (5,900 ft).

Habitat

  • Inhabits tropical dry forests, tropical deciduous forests, thorn scrub, gallery forests, and open woodland.

  • Frequently roosts in caves, rock crevices, abandoned buildings, bridges, tunnels, and beneath overhanging cliffs, often in small to medium-sized colonies.

  • Prefers warm, dry roosting sites with good airflow and nearby open areas for foraging.

Size

  • Body length: 4.5–6 cm (1.8–2.4 in)

  • Wingspan: 24–28 cm (9.4–11.0 in)

  • Weight: 6–10 g

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