Kingdom Animalia Genus Noctilio Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Family Noctilionidae Scientific name Noctilio albiventris Higher classification Bulldog bat Order Bat | |
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Similar Bulldog bat, Bat, Greater bulldog bat, Velvety free‑tailed bat, Phyllostomus | ||
The lesser bulldog bat (Noctilio albiventris) is an insectivorous and occasionally carnivorous bat of the (Neotropics), ranging through Central America and northern South America.
These bats are reddish brown in color. 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 usually live near water or damp locations, residing in hollow trees or domestic dwellings. They attempt to capture by echolocation insects flying near the surface of water. The bats also have the ability to capture insects that fall onto the water surfaces. Occasionally, the larger bats catch and consume small fish (the most closely related species, the greater bulldog bat, is known for its fishing ability).
They live about ten years and reach sexual maturity in one year.
