Black Mastiff Bat (Molossus rufus) lives in tropical dry forest across Central and South America. It feeds on insects & fruit. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
Fascinating facts about the Black Mastiff Bat
- The black mastiff bat was formally described as a new species in 1805 by the French naturalist Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, establishing its scientific name Molossus rufus. The original specimen, known as the holotype, was collected in Cayenne, French Guiana, providing the baseline for later taxonomic work.
- Its mouth holds 26 teeth. These teeth follow the dental formula 1.1.1.3 / 1.1.2.3, which adds up to that total.
- The black mastiff bat commonly roosts in human-made structures such as houses and barns, taking advantage of the shelter they provide. In addition to these anthropogenic sites, the species also inhabits natural environments like forests and shrublands, where it can find suitable perching spots.
- The black mastiff bat is host to the polyctenid parasite Hesperoctenes fumarius, which is known to affect individuals of the species. Despite this parasitic pressure, the bat remains classified as least-concern because it occupies a very wide geographic area across Central and South America. Its presumed large population and the lack of evidence for a rapid decline mean the parasite has not driven any major conservation worries.
- Male black mastiff bats have forearms that can reach up to 54.0 mm, while females may be as short as 47 mm, with the full male range spanning 48.5-54.0 mm and females 47-53 mm. Individuals of the species weigh between 27 and 31 g, and the fur on their backs is typically shorter than 3.5 mm; their dental formula of 1.1.1.3 / 1.1.2.3 gives them a total of 26 teeth.
Sources
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At a glance
RangeCentral and South America
HabitatTropical dry forest
DietInsects & fruit
About the Black Mastiff Bat
As dusk falls, the black mastiff bat unfurls its dark, leathery wings, taking to the evening skies with a fluid, effortless motion, its agile form weaving through the shadows in search of insects to devour. With echolocation calls that pierce the night air, this sleek hunter navigates the darkness, its acute senses guiding it through a world of sound and silence. In its native habitats, the black mastiff bat is a common sight, its colonies thronging the trees and rooftops, a testament to the enduring success of this most adaptable of creatures.
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