Chiroderma doriae
| Brazilian big-eyed bat | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Chiroptera |
| Family: | Phyllostomidae |
| Genus: | Chiroderma |
| Species: | C. doriae |
| Binomial name | |
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Chiroderma doriae Thomas, 1891 |
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| Brazilian big-eyed bat range | |
The Brazilian big-eyed bat (Chiroderma doriae) is a species of phyllostomid bat from South America. The scientific name honours Italian naturalist Giacomo Doria.
The Brazilian big-eyed bat is small, with a total length of 7 to 8 centimetres (2.8 to 3.1 in), and weighing 27 to 33 grams (0.95 to 1.16 oz). Like other big-eyed bats, it has a short snout, with a large cleft in the skull above the nose. The presence of this cleft gives the misleading impression that the skull lacks any nasal bones; these bones are fused with the surrounding bones, and simply do not join up in the midline, as they do in other bats.
The Brazilian big-eyed bat has greyish brown fur over much of the body with greyish or dark brown underparts. There is a distinct white stripe down the middle of the back, and smaller white stripes above the eyes, stretching from the ears to the nose. The ears are rounded and relatively short, while the nose-leaf is pointed, with a rounded base. Compared with most of its close relatives, the Brazilian big-eyed bat has few teeth, having a dental formula of 2.1.2.22.1.2.2. In addition, it has spike-like upper incisors and large molar teeth, especially the last upper molars, and a strong zygoma that supports powerful chewing muscles. These adaptations are believed to be related to its diet, allowing it to eat hard seeds.
The Brazilian big-eyed bat is found in eastern Brazil, from Pernambuco to Parana, and inland to Goias and Mato Grosso do Sul. Previously thought to be endemic to Brazil, it has also been found in eastern Paraguay. There are no subspecies. While it may prefer tropical rainforest, the bat is found in a range of forested environments and small wooded areas, including agricultural land and parks. When food is scarce, it may venture into urban areas, such as Rio de Janeiro.
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Wikipedia