Molossops Temminckii Research Articles

Sperm morphology and comparison morphometry measurements of two species of bats, Molossus molossus and Molossops temminckii (Chiroptera: Molossidae).

Sperm morphology is considered a species-specific character and has been used as a tool in the classification of numerous mammalian taxa. Neotropical bats have been poorly studied, and important aspects on sperm morphology have not been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to describe and compare the sperm morphology and morphometry of Molossus molossus and Molossops temminckii. A total of 14 adults specimens were analyzed from the Colección Mamíferos Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán: five M. molossus and nine M. temminckii. The epididymis were extracted and macerated in Farmer's solution, followed by a coloration with different stains. To carry out the description and morphometric analysis, microphotographs were taken under an optical, epifluorescence, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). A total of 50 sperm from each individual were measured for morphometric analysis. The length and width of the head, midpiece and tail were taken as variables. Sperm from M. molossus and M. temminckii were practically identical, both morphologically and morphometrically. In both species, a distal bulge was observed at the end of the intermediate piece in a percentage greater than 85%. The main characteristics shared between the species were: presence of acrosomal blebs in the upper half of the head of the spermatozoa; cephalic equatorial segment with filiform ornamentations; intermembrane space of head apex wedge-shaped; helical middle piece and annulus at the end of middle piece. In the present study, SEM allowed us to visualize structures, such as acrosomal vesicles, that were not detected with other types of microscopy. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The similarities in the sperm morphology between M. molossus and M. temminckii were observed with three types of microscopy: optical, epifluorescence and scanning electron, and supported by morphometric and statistical analyses.

New bat records for altitudinal Atlantic Forest in Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil

Abstract We report two new bat records for Espírito Santo State (Brazil), increasing the local list to 88 species. Two individuals of Myotis izecksohni were collected with mist net, while Molossops temminckii was identified from bioacoustic recordings. Both species were recorded in the Serra do Caparaó region, characterized by high-altitude Atlantic Forest, located in the southwest portion of Espírito Santo State. With these new records, the state is now home to 48.6% of the chiropterofauna known to Brazil.

Aerial insectivorous bats in the Brazilian-Uruguayan savanna: Modelling the occupancy through acoustic detection

The Pampa is the least protected and one of the least sampled for bats among the Brazilian domains. This leads to significant Linnean and Wallacean shortfalls for bats in the Brazilian-Uruguayan savanna ecoregion. Here, we aimed to model the occupancy of aerial insectivorous bats in response to landscape structure at different scales, considering the influence of microclimate on bat detection. We acoustically monitored 68 locations during the spring and summer of 2019/2020, gathering data on temperature and humidity associated with each acoustic record using data loggers. We detected at least 11 species of the Molossidae and the Vespertilionidae families, of which 9 were used in the model. The response to landscape structure was species-specific: the occupancy probability of Eptesicus brasiliensis and Molossus cf. currentium increased with landscape connectivity at the 500 m scale while Eptesicus furinalis and Histiotus cf. velatus were negatively affected by landscape connectivity at the 5.0 km scale. Molossus occupancy probability responded negatively to landscape heterogeneity at the 3.0 km scale, while Promops centralis responded positively to landscape heterogeneity at the 5.0 km scale. Molossus rufus responded negatively to native vegetation cover and positively to landscape heterogeneity at the 5.0 km scale. Myotis albescens and Molossops temminckii did not respond significantly to any of the evaluated landscape metrics. Our results show that different bat species perceive the landscape differently, regardless of the guild of use of space – edge- or open-space forager. Our estimate of projected occupancy for the areas contiguous to those sampled ranged from 0.45 to 0.70 for the whole of the bat taxa, suggesting that the landscape, particularly where it still maintains its native elements, is reasonably favourable to aerial insectivores.

Bats of Paraguay: Specimen Data Reveal Ecoregional Preferences and Diverse Seasonal Patterns

Several types of information have been used to infer migration in bats, including seasonal presence or absence, marking and reencountering individual bats, and genetically identifiable populations being encountered in different locations in different seasons. Each of these types of evidence has been used to reveal the migratory movements of bats in North America and the Old World, but little is known about bat migration in the Neotropics. 58 species of bats belonging to six families are currently known to occur in Paraguay, including insectivores, frugivores, pollinivores, piscivores, carnivores and sanguivores. Given the seasonality of some of these food resources, the question arises of whether some species are migratory. To date there is no direct evidence of bat migration in Paraguay. We develop a novel method of investigating possible bat migration in Paraguay, generalizable to other countries or regions. Using a database of almost 14,000 bat records in Paraguay that include specific identification, month and department (primary administrative division) of capture, we apply statistical methods to search for seasonal patterns of occurrence in 18 species. Although we are able to assign locality records to ecoregions only by reference to the department of capture, the analytic method proved useful in detecting patterns of seasonal variation. Results strongly suggest migration of bats both within Paraguay and outside of the country, by ten species representing four families and three trophic guilds. Migratory status is not related to ecoregional preference, trophic guild, distributional status or body size. Migration has previously been reported elsewhere for six of the ten species (Nyctinomops laticaudatus, Lasiurus ega, Glossophaga soricina, Artibeus lituratus, Pygoderma bilabiatum and Sturnira lilium). This is the first report of migration in Eumops patagonicus, Molossops temminckii, Myotis albescens and Noctilio albiventris. As for any migratory species, conservation measures must include both spatial and temporal considerations to be effective, and we conclude with a brief review of the uneven and inadequate distribution of Important Bat Areas (AICOMs) in Paraguay.

Noteworthy records of bats (Mammalia, Chiroptera) from southeastern Peru

Based on recent bat surveys in the Department of Madre de Dios, Peru, we present distribution records for Thyroptera wynneae Velazco et al., 2014 and Molossops temminckii (Burmeister, 1854), which extend the known distributions and represent the southernmost records of these species in Peru. We also present records of Molossus alvarezi González-Ruiz et al., 2011, which are the easternmost occurrences for this species in the country. Also included are new records of Eumops maurus (Thomas, 1901) and Molossus coibensis Allen, 1904 which fill existing gaps in the knowledge of the distribution of these species in the Neotropics. 

Distribution of the dwarf dog-faced bat Molossops temminckii (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in Colombia and comments on its morphometry

Abstract The genus Molossops includes two species that are restricted to South America: Molossops neglectus and Molossops temminckii. The smaller dog-faced dwarf Molossops temminckii is distributed from Colombia to Argentina and has a wide morphological variation and vocal plasticity. In Colombia, this species remains poorly known. To fill distributional gaps, we present novel records from Arauca, Atlántico, Bolívar, Córdoba, and Huila departments. We also present an analysis of the morphometric variation in South America using Principal Component Analyses. These show an external and cranial difference of specimens of Colombia in respect of other and South America populations. In Colombian landscapes dominated by the floodplain savanna of the Orinoco region, Molossops temminckii is smaller than in the other regions of the country, and the previously suggested existence of cryptic diversity within the taxon should be evaluated. Therefore, we suggest further integrative analyses to investigate a possible subspecific status of some Colombian populations.

First detection of “Candidatus Rickettsia wissemanii” in Ornithodoros hasei (Schulze, 1935) (Acari: Argasidae) from Argentina

The aim of this study was to assess the presence of Rickettsia in soft ticks (Acari: Argasidae) collected from insectivorous bats (Chiroptera) in Santa Fe province, Argentina. First, a subset of ticks were mounted in Hoyer’s medium to be determined by morphological characters and then confirmed by sequencing the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. Also ticks were processed by PCR assays using primers CS-78 and CS-323, which amplify a fragment of the Rickettsia spp. gltA gene. Positive ticks were subjected to a second PCR round with primers Rr190.70p and Rr190.701n of the spotted fever group rickettsiae ompA gene. A phylogenetic analysis was performed with Maximum-likelihood method, and the best fitting substitution models were determined with the Akaike Information Criterion. Five bats of the species Eptesicus diminutus Osgood, 1915, Eptesicus furinalis (d’Orbigny and Gervais, 1847), Eptesicus spp. (Vespertilionidae), and Molossops temminckii Burmeister, 1854 (Molossidae) were parasitized with Ornithodoros hasei (Schulze, 1935) larvae. One E. diminutus ticks’ tested positive to “Candidatus Rickettsia wissemanii”, a spotted fever group rickettsiae. The association O. hasei –“Ca. R. wissemanii” detected in this study represents the first evidence of a Rickettsia in Ornithodoros ticks in Argentina and the third report of this association in America. Also, this finding constitutes the first record of “Ca. R. wissemanii” in Argentina. Finally, we found for the first time the insectivorous bats E. diminutus and E. furinalis parasitized with O. hasei larvae. These findings add two new hosts and a new location, the southernmost recorded to date, for O. hasei.

Molossops temminckii (Chiroptera: Molossidae)

AbstractThe dwarf dog-faced bat, Molossops temminckii (Burmeister, 1854), is a small molossid bat that occurs from Colombia, Venezuela, and Guyana, southwestward through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. It is one of two species in the genus Molossops and usually roosts in man-made structures, rock crevices, and hollow trees. The species is insectivorous, inhabits a variety of habitats, and is typically found in low altitude zones. Diagnostic characters include triangular ears separated by a wide space, one lower incisor in each ramus, and a last upper molar with three clearly marked commissures. Molossops temminckii is listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

First records of Myotis nigricans (Schinz, 1821) (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) and two new localities for three bat species in Santa Fe province, Argentina

We present the first records of Myotis nigricans (Schinz, 1821) for Santa Fe province, Argentina. Four specimens were collected in the following localities: Esperanza (Las Colonias department), Laguna Paiva (La Capital department), and Rosario (Rosario department). These records extend the distribution area of M. nigricans 380 km to the south and increase the number of bat species in Santa Fe to 23. Additionally, Esperanza and Rafaela are added as new localities for Eumops glaucinus (Wagner, 1843), Molossops temminckii (Burmeister, 1854), and Lasiurus blossevillii (Lesson & Garnot, 1826).

The acoustic gymnastics of the dwarf dog-faced bat (Molossops temminckii) in environments with different degrees of clutter

Molossops temminckii is the only species of the Molossidae capable of exploring background-cluttered space. We tested the hypothesis that M. temminckii uses the clutter rejection strategy in cluttered environments and determined whether the echolocation calls of this species show large-scale geographic variation. We recorded echolocation calls of 10 individuals of M. temminckii using 4 treatments with different degrees of clutter. We compared individuals recorded in Venezuela with individuals recorded in Brazil to verify geographic variation in calls. In the cluttered environments, M. temminckii emitted short downward frequency-modulated calls with short pulse intervals. In the uncluttered environments, M. temminckii emitted long upward frequency-modulated calls with longer intervals and shorter bandwidth. The decreased pulse duration and interval in cluttered environments support the hypothesis that M. temminckii uses the clutter rejection strategy. Additionally, we found that in Brazil, M. temminckii emits shorter calls with higher minimum frequency compared with bats recorded in Venezuela, indicating large-scale geographic variation, probably because of environmental factors.Molossops temminckii e a unica especie de Molossidae com capacidade de explorar areas com obstaculos de fundo. Nesse trabalho testamos a hipotese do uso da estrategia de rejeicao de obstaculo em ambientes fechados, e determinamos se ha variacao geografica de larga escala nos chamados de ecolocalizacao de M. temminckii. Gravamos 10 individuos, em 4 tratamentos, com diferentes graus de obstaculos. Comparamos os chamados de ecolocalizacao gravados na Venezuela e Brasil para verificar a variacao geografica. Em ambientes com obstaculos, M. temminckii emite chamados curtos, de frequencia modulada descendente, com intervalos curtos entre os chamados. Nos ambientes abertos, emite chamados longos, de frequencia modulada ascendente, com intervalos mais longos e menor largura de banda. A menor duracao e o menor intervalo em ambientes fechados suportam a hipotese que M. temminckii utiliza a estrategia de rejeicao de obstaculo. No Brasil, M. temminckii emite chamados mais curtos, com frequencia minima mais alta, em comparacao com os morcegos gravados na Venezuela. Esse fato indica variacao geografica de larga escala e fatores ambientais provavelmente contribuem para essa variacao.

Variation in echolocation call frequencies in two species of free-tailed bats according to temperature and humidity.

Bats can actively adjust their echolocation signals to specific habitats and tasks, yet it is not known if bats also modify their calls to decrease atmospheric attenuation. Here the authors test the hypothesis that individuals emit echolocation calls ideally suited to current conditions of temperature and humidity. The authors recorded two species, Molossus molossus and Molossops temminckii, in the field under different conditions of humidity and temperature. For each species, two calls were analyzed: the shorter frequency modulated (FM) signals that bats emitted as they approached the recording microphone, and the longer constant frequency (CF) calls emitted thereafter. For each signal, the authors extracted peak frequency and duration, and compared these parameters among species, call type, and environmental conditions. The authors' results show significant differences in peak frequency and duration among environmental conditions for both call types. Bats decreased the frequency and increased duration of CF calls as atmospheric attenuation increased; using a lower-frequency call may increase the range of detection by a few meters as atmospheric attenuation increases. The same trend was not observed for FM calls, which may be explained by the primary role of these signals in short-range target localization.

Rapid surveys as a key tool for the inventory of the bat fauna of Brazil: New records for the coastal restinga

The restingas present a considerable variation in the floristic structure and composition along their latitudinal and morphoclimatic gradients. This variation may have a direct influence on the set of conditions and resources available for their biological communities, including mammals. The present study is the first to assess the bat fauna of a coastal restinga habitat in northeastern Brazil. The study site was the RPPN Caju in the municipality of Itaporanga D’Ajuda, Sergipe. We collected data on 10 consecutive days in 2014, using mist nets set at ground level, sampling a different point on each day. We captured 191 bats (16 species, 14 genera and 5 families), including the first records of Saccopteryx leptura, Molossops temminckii and Eptesicus brasiliensis for the coastal restinga. The latter two species were recorded for Sergipe for the first time. The recorded species richness is one of the highest yet recorded for Brazilian restinga. We increased the number of records of bat species in the Brazilian restinga from 38 to 41, and the number of species known to occur in Sergipe from 48 to 50. We recommend the “wandering” placement of mist nets as an effective strategy for the rapid assessment of bat communities.Keywords: Chiroptera, Eptesicus brasiliensis, Molossops temminckii, Saccopteryx leptura, Sergipe.

Bat fauna of the Cerrado savanna of eastern Maranhão, Brazil, with new species occurrences

Abstract In Brazil, 179 bat species have been recorded to date, representing 68 genera and nine families. Few data are available on the bat fauna of the state of Maranhão, so the present study was based on a survey of the bat fauna of the Inhamum Municipal Environmental Protection Area (APA Inhamum) in the Cerrado savanna of the eastern extreme of the state. This inventory provides new records of bat species for the state of Maranhão and the Cerrado biome. A total of 31 species (four families) were collected, representing 39% of the bat species known to occur in Maranhão and 28.71% of the species described for the Cerrado. The family Phyllostomidae was the most diverse, with 23 species (74.20% of the total), and also the most abundant, with 86.09% of the specimens collected. The Molossidae (four species) was the second most diverse, followed by the Vespertilionidae (three species) and the Emballonuridae (one species). Carollia perspicillata was the most abundant species (28%).The records of Artibeus fimbriatus and Platyrrhinus fusciventris are the first for the Cerrado and were also recorded in Maranhão for the first time. The cumulative species curve did not reach an asymptote. The species Dermanura gnoma, Lasiurus blossevillii, Lasiurus ega, Micronycteris schmidtorum, Molossops temminckii, Platyrrhinus cf. recifinus, Phylloderma stenops and Trachops cirrhosus, were also recorded in Maranhão for the first time demonstrating the value of for mammal inventories and emphasizing the need for further surveys in this poorly-known region.

Tree cavities used as diurnal roosts by Neotropical bats

Bats occupy a variety of natural and artificial diurnal roosts. These environments offer several advantages for bats, among which we highlight the relative climatic stability, darkness, and protection from predators. The aim of this study was to identify and describe the use of tree hollows as natural diurnal roosts by Molossops temminckii, Molossus rufus, Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira lilium in southeastern Brazil. In the first one, we sought to describe the physical characteristics of shelters. In the second objective, we determined the number of individuals in the colonies and, we described and classified the posture adopted by bats within cavities. In the third objective, we seek to relate the physical characteristics of refuges with the foraging behavior and diet of bat species. Moreover, we also discussed the advantages and disadvantages that tree cavities may confer for bats, in the context of approximation of opportunistic predators. We found four colonies, one of each species, which roosted within tree trunk cavities. In general, the colonies were small, with less than 10 individuals of both sexes. Usually the molossids left the roost at dusk, while phyllostomids left later, around three hours after dusk. Individuals of the first three species were recaptured while foraging near the roosts. We believe (through observations) that the location in the landscape and the physical characteristics (dimensions of access to the cavities and height from the ground) of shelters used by bats, depend exclusively on the morphology, foraging behaviour and diet of each species of bat. Furthermore, this study contributes to an increase of knowledge about the natural history of Neotropical bats, which can provide relevant information for conservation.

First and easternmost record of Molossops temminckii (Burmeister, 1854) (Chiroptera: Molossidae) for the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil

This study provides the easternmost record of Molossops temminckii (Burmeister 1854), and the first for the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. These records were based on the capture of six specimens, three males and three females. The morphometric data and morphological characters were consistent with those described in the literature. This record extends the distributional range of the species approximately 470 km eastwards.

Morphological Variation of Primary Reproductive Structures in Males of Five Families of Neotropical Bats

Bats present unique features among mammals with respect to reproduction, and although neotropical bats do not have a hibernation period, many of their reproductive characteristics vary seasonally and interspecifically. Thus, this work aimed to examine the reproductive structures of 18 species belonging to five families of Brazilian bats. The gross anatomy of the testes varied little; however, the epididymis of Emballonuridae and Vespertilionidae showed exceptional structures with a large elongation of the caudal region. We observed a wide variation in the positioning of the testes: Phyllostomidae and Noctilionidae presented external testes; Emballonuridae and Molossidae presented migratory testes that may be in intra-abdominal or external positions; and Vespertilionidae displayed scrotal testes. In the histological evaluation, we observed a different pattern in vespertilionid species, with testicular regression and sperm retention/storage in the cauda epididymis in the five species analyzed. Similar testicular regression was observed in Molossops temminckii; however, sperm retention/storage was not observed in this species. These data suggest that although the species analyzed are tropical species that do not present a prolonged period of torpor (hibernation), they still maintain a period of seminiferous tubule regression and sperm storage very similar to that observed in hibernating bats.

Mammalia, Chiroptera, Molossidae, Molossops temminckii (Burmeister, 1854), and Vespertilionidae, Eptesicus furinalis (d’Orbigny and Gervais, 1847): new locality record and distribution extension in Córdoba Province, Argentina

During a field trip to the Ramsar site “Bañados del Río Dulce y Laguna Mar Chiquita” we captured three specimens of Molossops temminckii (Burmeister, 1854) and two of Eptesicus furinalis (d’Orbigny and Gervais, 1847). Molossops temminckii has a wide distribution in Argentina, but this new record represents the second mention of the species for the Cordoba Province after 13 years. The specimens of E. furinalis represent the tenth record for Cordoba and the second for Río Primero Department. This new information reflects the scarcity of systematic studies on bats in Cordoba Province.

Nuevos registros de trematodos Anenterotrematidae, Lecitodendriidae y Urotrematidae en murciélagos de Argentina y redescripción de Anenterotrema liliputianum

Anenterotrema liliputianum (Travassos, 1928) (Anenterotrematidae) is redescribed based on the type specimens from Molossus molossus (Pallas) and Phyllostomus elongatus (Geoffroy) from Brazil, and also on new specimens collected from the Dwarf Dog-faced Bat, Molossops temminckii (Burmeister) (Molossidae) in Argentina. In addition, we report the finding of Gymnoacetabulum talaveraensis (Lunaschi, 2002), Ochoterenatrema labda Caballero, 1943 (Lecithodendriidae), and Urotrema scabridum Braum, 1900 (Urotrematidae) parasitizing Vespertilionidae and Molossidae bats from Buenos Aires and Misiones provinces, and measurements, prevalence, and mean intensity for these trematodes are provided. In addition, the host spectrum and distribution for A. liliputianum and O. labda is increased, and U. scabridum is recorded for the first time parasitizing bats in Argentina.

Bats of Buraco das Araras natural reserve, Southwestern Brazil

The doline Buraco das Araras is a peculiar environment and important destiny for ecotourism in the Serra da Bodoquena region, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Here we describe the bat fauna of the doline and surrounding areas, and report its use as dayroost by the bat Nyctinomops laticaudatus. Bats were mist-netted during two field expeditions, in November 2007 and January 2008. We captured 153 individuals of 10 species, mainly N. laticaudatus (n = 90) and Artibeus planirostris (n = 28). This is the first record of N. laticaudatus in the Serra da Bodoquena region; it was captured only in January when leaving the doline in dense flocks at dusk. Phyllostomus hastatus, Micronycteris sanborni, and Molossops temminckii are also new records for the Serra da Bodoquena region. Three individuals - A. planirostris, Carollia perspicillata and Glossophaga soricina - tagged in November were recaptured in January, indicating that these species are residents. The doline and bordering vegetation appear to be important sources of shelter and food for bat fauna maintenance.

Short CommunicationNew insights into telomeric DNA sequence (TTAGGG)n location in bat chromosomes

Molossidae species, Cynomops abrasus (2n = 34, fundamental number, FN = 64), Eumops auripendulus (2n = 42, FN = 62), Molossus rufus (2n = 48, FN = 64), Molossops temminckii (2n = 48, FN = 64), and Nyctinomops laticaudatus (2n = 48, FN = 64), and Phyllostomidae species, Phyllostomus discolor (2n = 32, FN = 60), have karyotypes with different chromosome and fundamental numbers, different localization of constitutive heterochromatin, and different numbers and location of nucleolar organizer regions (NORs). Fluorescence in situ hybridization with a human probe of the telomeric sequence (TTAGGG)(n) produced fluorescent signals in telomeric regions of the six bat species' chromosomes; in E. auripendulus, pericentromeric signals were also observed in the acrocentric and subtelocentric chromosomes. A relationship between telomeric sequences and NORs, and between telomeric sequences and constitutive heterochromatin was detected in chromosomes bearing NORs in C. abrasus, M. temminckii, N. laticaudatus, and P. discolor. No interstitial signal was observed in the meta- or submetacentric chromosomes of these species.