Platalina
| Long-snouted bat | |
|---|---|
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Chiroptera |
| Family: | Phyllostomidae |
| Genus: |
Platalina Thomas, 1928 |
| Species: | P. genovensium |
| Binomial name | |
|
Platalina genovensium Thomas, 1928 |
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The long-snouted bat (Platalina genovensium) is a species of bat in the family Phyllostomidae. It is monotypic within the genus Platalina. It is endemic to Peru. It feeds almost exclusively on the nectar and fruit of the columnar cactus . There are only seven known populations and despite little research having been done on this species, they are listed as near-threatened due to habitat loss causing the removal of their primary food source.
Captured long snouted bats range in length from 7.2 to 8.9 cm with a tail length of 0.5 to 1.1 cm and forearm length of 12.8 to 26.5 cm. Weights range from 12.8 to 26.5 g with the upper weight range including a pregnant female. More typical measurements are total length around 81 mm, wing extension of 341 mm, and weights of 19.5 to 19.9 grams. Wing area is the largest of any known glossophagine with wing loading the lowest. This may be due to the high altitude. It is the largest bat within the Lonchophyllinae subfamily. This size could be an adaptation for night temperatures approaching 0c. The bat is known for its extremely elongated muzzle which could indicate increased specialization. In addition, the tongue is long, extendable and covered in papillae. The upper incisors are broad and spoon shaped with a diamond-shaped noseleaf. The interfemoral membrane is long and sparsely haired with the tail extending 1/3 of the way into the membrane. The body is pale brown with the base of each hair being lighter than the tip. The underside is also lighter than the back.
On the western slopes of the Andes, this species ranges from Piura in the North to Tacna in the south. Most research has centered on Arequipa. On the eastern slopes, there is only one known population near Huánuco. Elevations range from sea level to 2500 m although no individual has been collected below 2200 m. Populations are strongly associated with desert habitats dominated by columnar cactus. This range is hypothesized to change with precipitation events as populations move to more moist areas during El Niño events.
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Wikipedia