Flat-faced Fruit-eating Bat (Artibeus planirostris) lives in tropical rainforest across Central and South America. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
Fascinating facts about the Flat-faced Fruit-eating Bat
- Adults measure between 8 and 11 cm in total length and weigh 40-69 g. These traits distinguish it from the Jamaican fruit bat.
- A prominent uropatagium stretches fully between the bat's legs, giving it a broad membrane for flight control, yet no tail is visible beyond this membrane. This wing-spanning skin is complemented by dark brown or blackish wings that end in white tips, a colour pattern that helps conceal the animal in low-light forest canopies. The short, triangular ears with rounded tips and small tragus further distinguish its silhouette.
- Flat-faced fruit-eating bats occupy a broad swathe of northern and central South America east of the Andes, ranging from eastern Brazil and Paraguay through the Guyanas to eastern Peru and Ecuador. They thrive from sea level up to 2 000 m, inhabiting montane, transitional and lowland tropical forests as well as open cerrado landscapes. This elevational flexibility allows them to exploit fruiting trees across diverse habitats.
- Female flat-faced fruit-eating bats can become pregnant at any time of year, but births tend to peak during the rainy months when food is abundant. After a gestation that lasts at least three and a half months, a single pup is born. The newborn remains in the day-roost while the mother continues to forage through the night. This reproductive pattern allows the species to maintain a steady population despite seasonal fluctuations.
- Flat-faced fruit-eating bats feed almost exclusively on fruit, foraging throughout the night for ripe offerings such as Vismia berries, figs and Amazon grape. Small insects and mites are taken only occasionally, supplementing their mainly herbivorous diet. Their nocturnal foraging habit means they roost in trees during daylight hours, conserving energy while waiting for the next night's feeding bout. This diet ties them closely to forest fruiting cycles.
Sources
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At a glance
RangeCentral and South America
HabitatTropical rainforest
DietFruits and nectar
About the Flat-faced Fruit-eating Bat
In the twilight realm of the tropical forest, the flat-faced fruit-eating bat emerges as a whispered rumor, its leathery wings beating with a soft susurrus as it navigates the dense canopy in search of succulent fruits. With its broad, flat face and outsized eyes, this bat is a master of discernment, selecting the ripest and most luscious morsels with an unerring instinct that guides it through the darkness. As it flits from branch to branch, its gentle rustlings and high-pitched squeaks weave a subtle tapestry of sound that fills the night air with an enchanting music.
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