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Peters's wrinkle-lipped bat

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Peters's wrinkle-lipped bat
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Molossidae
Genus: Mormopterus
Subgenus: Mormopterus
Species:
M. jugularis
Binomial name
Mormopterus jugularis
Peters, 1865
Peters's wrinkle-lipped bat range
Synonyms
  • Nyctinomus jugularis Peters, 1865

Peters's wrinkle-lipped bat (Mormopterus jugularis), also called Peters's goblin bat, is a species of bat in the family Molossidae, the free-tailed bats. It is endemic to Madagascar, where it is widespread and in some areas abundant.[1] It commonly roosts in human-made structures, sometimes in colonies with other free-tailed bat species.[2][3] It forages in the open, often in agricultural areas.[2] The bat is sexually dimorphic, with males larger than females.[3]

Taxonomy and etymology

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It was described as a new species in 1865 by German naturalist Wilhelm Peters. Peters placed it in the now-defunct genus Nyctinomus and the subgenus Mormopterus, with the scientific name of Nyctinomus (Mormopterus) jugularis.[4] In his description of the species (in Latin), Peters wrote that it had "fovea jugulari magna", or a large suprasternal notch.[4] This anatomical feature was likely the inspiration for the species name "jugularis."

Description

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From head to tail, it is approximately 90–95 mm (3.5–3.7 in) long. Its forearm is 37–40 mm (1.5–1.6 in) long; its wingspan is 262–288 mm (10.3–11.3 in) long; and it weighs 8–14 g (0.28–0.49 oz). Its fur is soft and dense, with its back grayish-brown to charcoal in color, and its belly paler. Its snout has a blunt tip, and is slightly upturned. Its ears are large and rounded; the bases of the ears do not touch. It has a well-defined tragus.[5]

Range and habitat

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It is endemic to Madagascar, where it has been documented from 0–1,200 m (0–3,937 ft) above sea level. It is widespread in the western half of Madagascar, as well as along the southern coast.[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b Monadjem, A.; Razafimanahaka, J.; Ranivo, J.; Kofoky, A.; Hutson, A.M.; Cardiff, S.G.; Andriafidison, D.; Goodman, S.; Jenkins, R.K.B.; Racey, P.A.; Ratrimomanarivo, F.H. (2017). "Mormopterus jugularis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T13882A22083579. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T13882A22083579.en. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b Andriafidison, D., et al. 2008. Mormopterus jugularis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. Downloaded on 23 March 2015.
  3. ^ a b Ratrimomanarivo, F. H.; et al. (2009). "Morphological and genetic variation in Mormopterus jugularis (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in different bioclimatic regions of Madagascar with natural history notes". Mammalia. 73 (2): 110–29. doi:10.1515/mamm.2009.032. S2CID 84913000.
  4. ^ a b CALDWELL, M. J.; SCLATER, P. (1865). "1. Report on a Collection of Animals from Madagascar, Transmitted to the Society". Journal of Zoology. 33 (1): 467–470. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.1865.tb02373.x.
  5. ^ a b Garbutt, N. (2007). Mammals of Madagascar: a complete guide. Yale University Press. p. 80. ISBN 9780300125504.