Abstract
Diaemus youngii (Jentink, 1893) is a widespread species occurring from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. Along its distribution, however, this bat is rare to uncommon. Here, we report its record for the state of Goiás, central-western Brazil, based on a specimen found in the mammal collection of the Instituto Nacional da Mata Atlântica, former Museu de Biologia Professor Mello Leitão. Diaemus youngii is known from 129 unique localities, with 81 (over 62%) in Brazil, followed by Peru (7), Bolivia (6) and Venezuela (6). It is absent in the west of the Andes, southern Argentina, Uruguay, and Caribbean islands, except for Trinidad.
Highlights
Diaemus youngii (Jentink, 1893) is a widespread species occurring from southern Mexico to northern Argentina
Diaemus youngii is known from 129 unique localities, with 81 in Brazil, followed by Peru (7), Bolivia (6) and Venezuela (6)
Desmodontinae are known to feed on mammalian and avian blood, with Di. ecaudata regarded as an avian blood specialist, while De. rotundus and D. youngii feed on a broader spectrum (Ito et al 2016)
Summary
Bats are still widely held as evil, disease-carrying, blood-sucking animals, especially in the western world, where old myths persist (Teixeira and Papavero 2003). These 3 species belong to the Desmodontinae subfamily and are endemic of the Americas These bats share several adaptations that allow the consumption and digestion of blood: sharp, canine-like incisors, saliva with anticoagulant components, and a sac-like elastic stomach, specialized for liquid absorption (Kwon and Gardner 2008). Due to their feeding habits, vampire bats are of epidemiological concern, especially for their role in the transmission of rabies in rural areas, affecting humans and other mammals (Calisher et al 2006, Dantas-Torres 2008). Examining material in a museum mammal collection, we discovered a specimen of D. youngii that fills the gap for the state of Goiás We report this finding and provide an updated map covering the whole distribution of the species
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
