Lesser Bulldog Bat

About the Lesser Bulldog Bat

The lesser bulldog bat (Noctilio albiventris) is an insectivorous and occasionally carnivorous bat of the (Neotropics), ranging through Central America and northern South America. Some unique characteristics of the bat include large feet that are used to rake the surface of water to capture prey, and precise echolocation. Occasionally, the larger bats catch and consume small fish. Due to their close proximity to urban life, there are also some interactions with humans.

The lesser bulldog bat is a sexually dimoprhic species with males significantly larger than females and with a more pronounced sagittal crest. Furthermore, coloration varies between individuals among the same sex, and between different populations. They have a length of about three inches (7.5 cm), a forearm length of 2+1⁄2 inches (6.4 cm), and weight of about one ounce (30 grams). The bats plump lips and chin that has well-developed cross ridges give rise to the bats "bulldog-like" appearance. The lesser bulldog bat has large feet that are claw-like and can be used to capture prey.

The lesser bulldog bat inhabits lowlands with tropical dry forests, rainforests, and savannahs, residing... Wikipedia →