Lesser Sac-winged Bat

About the Lesser Sac-winged Bat

The lesser sac-winged bat or lesser white-lined bat (Saccopteryx leptura) is a bat species of the family Emballonuridae from South and Middle America. The lesser white-lined bat belongs to the genus Saccopteryx. The bat is characterized by white stripes that run longitudinally down its back starting at the shoulders. Its pelage is typically brown and the bats are roughly 45 millimetres (1.8 in) in length. It is similar in appearance to Rhynchonycteris naso but is slightly smaller and with paler fur. Additionally, R. naso has white fur on its antebrachium which S. leptura does not.

The lesser white-lined bat also has a characteristic odiferous gland on the distal portion of its arm. The gland opens up to the dorsal part of the wing. This opening is larger in the males than in the females. This species is sexually dimorphic, the female being larger than the male.

The lesser white-lined bat is indigenous to northern South America as well as parts of Central America. The bat is found in heavily forested areas and typically roosts in trees. The lesser white-lined bat prefers open areas to roost and while they prefer trees they have also been known to... Wikipedia →