Nyctinomops Macrotis Research Articles

Distribution and noteworthy records of parasitic bugs genus Hesperoctenes (Hemiptera: Polyctenidae) associated with bats (Chiroptera) in Colombia

The family Polyctenidae (Cimicoidea: Hemiptera) is a group of ectoparasites that has received very little attention from researchers. These bugs are typically associated with bats and are found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Polyctenidae consist of 32 species, which are divided into two subfamilies (Polycteninae and Hesperocteninae) and five genera (Adroctenes, Eoctenes, Hypoctenes, and Polyctenes within Polycteninae and Hesperoctenes within Hesperocteninae). The genus Hesperoctenes comprises 16 species restricted to the Western Hemisphere (South and North America), whereas the other four genera are exclusive to the Old World (Africa, Asia, and Australia), that likely is the diversification center of this group. Besides the wide distribution in the Neotropics there are limited records for all the taxa described, except for Hesperoctenes fumarius and Hesperoctenes cartus. Furthermore, the association with the hosts and the distribution patterns are still unclear. In high diverse countries such as Colombia where more than 217 bat species have been reported, there are only few records of Polyctenids. To contribute to the knowledge of Neotropical Polyctenids, we reviewed the records of Hesperoctenes and the association with mammal hosts in America, and present noteworthy records of Hesperoctenes hermsi, H. fumarius and new associations with bats in Colombia. We identified individuals of both species by morphological comparisons and PCR amplification of a fragment of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). Due to the few records at the molecular level, the sequence of H. hermsi is the first reported for this species. Our study reports for the first time the presence of H. hermsi in Colombia, since it has only been reported in Brazil, USA, and Venezuela. We also report new associations with the bats Cynomops planirostris and Molossus pretiosus, since it has only been associated with other Molossids such as Molossus molossus, Eumops glacinus, Nyctinomops laticaudatus, and Nyctinomops macrotis.

Histopathological survey of free-ranging neotropical bats with dermatitis.

Bats have a fundamental ecological role, and no wildlife disease has decimated more individuals than white-nose syndrome (WNS). This impactful mycosis has raised the importance of monitoring disease threats to bat populations. In this study, we aimed to investigate gross skin lesions in neotropical bats by histopathology to survey the occurrence of dermatitis that could resemble WNS cases in Brazil. Eleven species of free-ranging bats were sampled from the rabies surveillance program in 9 municipalities of Northern Paraná. Members of the Molossidae family were the most frequent ones among the 126 analyzed individuals, and 4 cases of dermatitis in 2 black mastiff bats (Molossus rufus), 1 great fruit-eating bat (Artibeus lituratus), and a big free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops macrotis) were detected. Gross lesions included alopecia, macules, discoloration, and hyperkeratosis. Among the bats with gross lesions, dermal thickening and mild inflammation were observed histologically. Two M. rufus bats had dermal fungal invasion; however, none resembled WNS.

Informing wind energy development: Land cover and topography predict occupancy for Arizona bats.

Wind energy is a growing source of renewable energy with a 3-fold increase in use globally over the last decade. However, wind turbines cause bat mortality, especially for migratory species. The southwest United States has high bat species diversity and is an important area for migratory species, although little is known about their seasonal distribution. To examine potential risk to bats in areas proposed for wind energy development, we characterized bat occupancy spatially and temporally across northern Arizona, identifying use during summer when bats are reproductively active and fall during the migratory season. Our objectives were to determine occupancy of migratory species and species of greatest conservation need and develop a probability of occupancy map for species to identify areas of potential conflict with wind energy development. We selected 92 sites in 10 clusters with potential for development and used acoustic detectors to sample bats in the summer and fall of 2016 and 2017 for 6 nights per site per year. We predicted response of migratory bat species and species of special concern to 9 landscape variables using Program MARK. During summer, higher densities of forest on the landscape resulted in a higher probability of occupancy of migratory species such as hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus), silver-haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans), big free-tailed bats (Nyctinomops macrotis), and species of conservation need such as spotted bats (Euderma maculatum). During the fall, higher concentration of valleys on the landscape predicted occupancy of hoary bats, big free-tailed bats, and spotted bats. High bat occupancy in the fall was also associated with higher elevation and close proximity to forests. We recommend that wind turbines be placed in open, flat grasslands away from forested landscapes and concentrations of valleys or other topographic variation.

Bats (Chiroptera) of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Utah and Arizona

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area covers large and geographically unique regions of southern Utah and northern Arizona. However, multiple surveys of bats from 1952 to 2017 have not been published. Prior to 2015, most bat surveys in the recreation area were conducted using mist nets only and did not include acoustic monitoring. In this paper we compile records of bats found in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area from 1952 to 2017, including records from our recent surveys using both mist nets and acoustic sampling. During our recent surveys, 2 new species were captured (Nyctinomops macrotis and Lasionycteris noctivagans), and 2 other new species were documented using acoustic detection (Myotis evotis and Eumops perotis), bringing the total documented bat species in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area to 17 species. This paper sheds light on the diverse bat assemblage of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area that will serve as a baseline for future research and conservation efforts.

Leishmania presence in bats in areas endemic for leishmaniasis in central-west Brazil.

Leishmaniasis involves the participation of several species of both wild and domestic mammal hosts and sandfly vectors, which demonstrates the eco-epidemiological complexity observed in this disease. Bats are among the most abundant types of mammals and the scarcity of research on Leishmania infection in these animals gives evidence of the importance of new studies that aim to clarify this relationship. This study aimed to detect the Leishmania spp. in bats. 146 bats, representing 16 different species belonging to the Molossidae, Vespertilionidae, and Phyllostomidae families, were received and processed for collection of tissues. Skin samples were collected from 100% of the bats, and liver samples were collected from 87% (n = 127). After evaluating the quality of the DNA extracted by means of PCR directed to the IRBP gene, the samples considered suitable for the Leishmania detection test were submitted for PCR directed to Leishmania kDNA, and to confirm positivity, were tested to the SSUrRNA gene-directed Nested-PCR. The Leishmania presence in the species Molossus pretiosus, Nyctinomops macrotis, and Lasiurus cinereus are the first reports this encounter in these species of bats in Brazil. Furthermore, new species of bats as possible hosts for L. infantum are reported, such as Molossus pretiosus, Myotis nigricans, Nyctinomops laticaudatus, Nyctinomops macrotis, and, for L. braziliensis, Lasiurus cinereus and Cynomops planirostris. These findings in bats in an area endemic for leishmaniasis indicate that these animals may be involved in sustaining the disease cycle in this location.

Big Free-Tailed Bat (Nyctinomops macrotis) Discovered at a Wind Energy Facility in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas

We collected the skeleton of a big free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops macrotis) at a wind energy facility in Starr County, Texas. This is the first specimen record from the Lower Rio Grande Valley in southern Texas.

New extension range of Nyctinomops macrotis Gray, 1840 (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in Southern Andes of Ecuador

This study reports a new range-distribution of Nyctinomops macrotis in the Inter-Andean Valley, Southern Ecuador. This record was done in an urban locality, placed in the inter-Andean Valley at 2,545 m, contributing to improve the knowledge of this species distribution; besides, adding the highest record as well as new locality for Ecuador.

Molecular Systematics ofNyctinomops(Chiroptera: Molossidae)

Abstract. The genus Nyctinomops comprises 4 species of bats in the free-tailed family Molossidae: Nyctinomops macrotis, Nyctinomops femorosaccus, Nyctinomops aurispinosus, and Nyctinomops laticaudatus. The objective of this study was to use mitochondrial sequence data to test hypotheses of relationship within Nyctinomops. A total of 460 bases of cytochrome b and 686 bases of NADH dehydrogenase were sequenced and analyzed from 22 individuals by use of parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian methods. Sequences from other molossid genera (Tadarida, Cynomops, and Otomops) were used as outgroups. In addition, a series of Nyctinomops specimens from Peru was re-assessed using morphological and molecular data. Our results agree with previous studies using morphological similarity in the placement of the largest member of the genus, N. macrotis, as sister to the remaining species. Furthermore, both mitochondrial data sets recovered the following relationship for the other members of the genus: (N. aurispinosus...

Redescription and taxonomical considerations about Aonchotheca (Aonchotheca) pulchra n. comb. (Enoplida: Trichuridae), a nematode of Nyctinomops spp.

Pterothominx pulchra (Freitas, 1934) are little known gastric nematodes of Nyctinomops laticaudatus (Chiroptera: Molossidae). Information about the occurrence and host range of these parasites in Neotropical region is still scanty, and the only two morphological descriptions available in the literature are divergent about the presence or absence of a spiny spicular sheath in males, which may lead to incorrect taxonomical positioning, since this feature represents the main difference between the genera Pterothominx and Aonchotheca. Based on the absence of this morphological feature in specimens of this nematode obtained from N. laticaudatus and Nyctinomops macrotis bats captured in two municipalities in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, the present study reclassifies the aforementioned species in the genus Aonchotheca and allocates it to the subgenus Aonchotheca. Additional morphometric data and new host and locality records are also provided.

First occurrence of Nyctinomops macrotis (Gray, 1839) (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil

The first occurrence of Nyctinomops macrotis (Gray, 1839) in Espirito Santo state, Southeastern Brazil is reported. A specimen was registered in Vitoria, capital of the state, on January 26th, 2011. Morphological aspects of this species are discussed. External and cranial measurements obtained for the specimen and a map with the current known records for the N. macrotis in Brazil are provided.

First record of four bat species for the state of Morelos and new bat records for the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve, Mexico

Four bat species are reported for the first time in Morelos: Centurio senex, Lasiurus intermedius, Myotis fortidens and Nyctinomops macrotis, which were captured at the Tropical Dry Forest (TDF) of the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve (SHBR). Furthermore, 9 additional bat species that were previously unconfirmed in the SHBR are recorded. External morphometric data of the captured individuals is provided, as well as details regarding the sampling dates and sites and, when possible, information about echolocation sequences. The list of bat species in the SHBR has increased to 41 species (71% of the bat fauna in Morelos), which highlights the value of this area for protecting the biodiversity of Morelos.

Bats of Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas: Community Composition, Abundance, and Seasonal Activity

ABSTRACT. Basic natural history information is lacking for many bats, especially for bats of the Texas Panhandle. We examined community composition, relative abundance, and seasonal activity of bats in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas, using 3 survey methods (mist net, roost surveys, and acoustic monitoring) between July 2006 and May 2009. Twelve species of bats were captured or observed, with the Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis), canyon bat (Parastrellus hesperus), and big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) being the most common. Acoustic calls of 2 additional species, most likely the California myotis (Myotis californicus) and big free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops macrotis), were also recorded. The Brazilian free-tailed bat was captured year-round, and an evening bat (Nycticeius humeralis), uncommon in the area, was captured. This study increases our understanding of the occurrence, abundance, and seasonality of bats in the Texas Panhandle.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS OF WIND ENERGY FOR RARE, TEREATENED, AND ENDANGERED BIRDS AND BATSIN TEXAS

The purpose of this study was to estimate relative potential hazards to birds and bats from wind developments in Texas. We compiled lists of rare, threatened, or endangered species, along with their respective ranges in Texas. Using a geographic information system (GIS), we calculated a potential hazard index (PHI) for 31 bird and ten bat species based upon the percentage of known or observed species range area (by county) within each wind speed classification. Results demonstrate considerable range in relative hazard, with the lesser prairie chicken and ferruginous hawk among the most potentially impacted birds; and the pale Townsend's bat, western small-footed bat, and big free-tailed bat among the most potentially impacted bats. While additional data are necessary to establish actual impacts of wind developments, relative potential hazard indices may help prioritize future studies.

Rabies diagnosis and serology in bats from the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Bats are one of the most important reservoirs and vectors of the rabies virus in the world. From 1988 to 2003, the Zoonosis Control Center in São Paulo City performed rabies diagnosis on 5,670 bats by direct immunofluorescent test and mouse inoculation test. Blood samples were collected from 1,618 bats and the sera were analyzed using the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test to confirm rabies antibodies. Forty-four (0.8%) bats were positive for rabies. The prevalence of rabies antibodies was 5.9% using 0.5IU/ml as a cutoff. Insectivorous bats (69.8%) and bats of the species Molossus molossus (51.8%) constituted the majority of the sample; however, the highest prevalence of antibodies were observed in Glossophaga soricina (14/133), Histiotus velatus (16/60), Desmodus rotundus (8/66), Artibeus lituratus (5/54), Nyctinomops macrotis (3/23), Tadarida brasiliensis (3/48), Carollia perspicillata (3/9), Eumops auripendulus (2/30), Nyctinomops laticaudatus (2/16), Sturnira lilium (2/17) and Eumops perotis (1/13). The prevalence of rabies antibodies was analyzed by species, food preference and sex. The expressive levels of antibodies associated with the low virus positivity verified in these bats indicate that rabies virus circulates actively among them.

Isolation of Histoplasma capsulatum from bats in the urban area of São Paulo State, Brazil

The presence of bats in caves, attics, ceilings, and roofs is important epidemiologically as they can increase the chance of human acquisition of pathogens, including Histoplasma capsulatum. Brazilian urban areas contain many species of bats, especially insectivorous bats, that are attracted by a wide range of readily available food and shelter. From August 2003 to December 2008, we analysed 2427 bats in the São Paulo State region. Homogenates of the livers and spleens of the bats were plated on specific medium to identify animals infected with H. capsulatum. The fungus was isolated from 87 bats (3·6%). The infected bats were identified as Molossus molossus (74), Nyctinomops macrotis (10), Tadarida brasiliensis (1), Molossus rufus (1) and Eumops glaucinus (1), all insectivorous species. The data presented are a relevant contribution to the epidemiology of H. capsulatum in densely populated urban areas such as in São Paulo State, especially since histoplasmosis is not included in the mandatory disease notification system.

Roosts and activity areas of Nyctinomops macrotis in northern Arizona

Female big free-tailed bats Nyctinomops macrotis have been captured over water in northern Arizona in high elevation (> 2,400 m) forests and low elevation (1,500 m) desert scrub vegetation. We hypothesized that roost sites were in vertical walls of cliffs that were up to 25 km away from capture sites given the flight capability of these bats. During summer 2005 we captured eight females over ponds and attached radio transmitters to locate day roosts. We also identified locations used during nightly movements from 1 to 6 nights of radio tracking. We found three day roosts for seven bats; average distance (± SE) from a capture site to a roost was 12.1 ± 3.0 km. Roosts were small maternity colonies used by ≥ four N. macrotis in cracks or crevices in upper portions of vertical cliffs and faced south or southeast. Average dimensions for ponds where we found N. macrotis were 24 × 46 m, larger than the average pond size (14 × 19 m) where we did not capture this species. We identified 73 night locations for five N. macrotis and for one individual with 32 night locations calculated a 95% activity area (minimum convex polygon method) of 29,590 ha. Straight line distance between successive locations averaged 5.1 ± 0.8 km. Maximum distance detected from roost averaged 25.3 ± 4.9 km. We conservatively estimated a maximum flight speed of 61 km per hour. Most locations were in desert scrub vegetation but three bats moved to higher elevations, using pinyon-juniper (Pinus edulis-Juniperus spp.) woodland and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forest. The maternity roosts we located for N. macrotis were remote, difficult to access, and within protected areas (national parks) in northern Arizona; however, foraging areas and ponds used for drinking are managed by different public or private agencies. These features are not as well protected and could be critically important in this arid environment.

Echolocation in the Large Molossid Bats Eumops glaucinus and Nyctinomops macrotis

Eumops glaucinus and Nyctinomops macrotis, the largest molossid bats in Cuba, were investigated. Both species of bats share the same guild in the island and are similar in size, which allow the prediction of overlapping echolocation inventories following both the "vocal plasticity hypothesis" and the "scaling hypothesis." In addition, large body size predicts the emission of low frequency calls in the human audible range. Calls recorded during hunting show that the bats' echolocation repertoires are very similar and of low frequency, with most differences in search calls. Matches were found in the calls' design, duration, slope, bandwidth, and spectral parameters. Statistical differences between search calls are consistent with the predictions from the "scaling hypothesis," considering that E. glaucinus is only slightly larger than N. macrotis. The echolocation calls emitted by both species are in the frequency range below 20-25 kHz, which identifies both species as the only ones with echolocation in the human audible range in Cuba.

DIETARY STUDY OF BIG FREE-TAILED BATS (NYCTINOMOPS MACROTIS) IN BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TEXAS

Abstract Nyctinomops macrotis, the big free-tailed bat, is relatively uncommon in the southwestern United States, and diet information for this species is sparse. The objective of this study was to examine the diet of N. macrotis in Big Bend National Park, Texas, by using fecal analysis to determine what these bats ate in an area where they were sympatric with 3 other species of free-tailed bats. We collected and analyzed fecal samples from 40 individuals and obtained the following results: Lepidoptera (87.5% volume, 100% frequency), Hemiptera (4.1% volume, 22.5% frequency), Coleoptera (4.6% volume, 17.5% frequency), Orthoptera (1.1% volume, 12.5% frequency), unidentified insects (2.4% volume, 30.0% frequency). The diet of N. macrotis largely overlapped that of the Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) and pocketed free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops femorosaccus) in Big Bend National Park. However, N. macrotis consumed significantly more lepidopterans and significantly less hemipterans and coleopteran...

USE OF SPATIAL FEATURES BY FORAGING INSECTIVOROUS BATS IN A LARGE URBAN LANDSCAPE

We analyzed the patterns of habitat use by insectivorous bats in Mexico City, one of the largest and most populated cities of the world. We tested the hypotheses that richer patches of food, expected in more vegetated areas, have higher bat activity levels, and that fast-flying species benefit most from urbanization. We compared activity of insectivorous species and relative abundance of insects in 5 habitats (large parks, small parks, illuminated open areas, residential areas, and natural forest). Sampling of bat activity and insects was conducted every 2 weeks in 12 sites per habitat during summer 2002. Measures of bat activity were based on 3,600 oneminute sequences of sound that were recorded and analyzed. The average number of taxa per site was significantly higher in the natural forest than in urban habitats, but overall bat activity was significantly higher in large parks and illuminated open areas than in small parks, residential areas and natural forest. Vespertilionid bats (Eptesicus fuscus, Myotis, and an unidentified species), along with Eumops perotis, occurred almost exclusively in extensive green areas (large parks or natural forest). The molossid Nyctinomops macrotis made the broadest use of the urban‐natural mosaic, whereas Tadarida brasiliensis used urban sites (illuminated areas and large parks) more intensively. Insect abundance was higher in large parks and natural forest, and it was significantly correlated with overall bat activity and with the number of taxa recorded per site. The observed patterns of habitat use and foraging can be explained by considering the flight and echolocation performance of species. Although some species successfully exploited highly urbanized sites, large areas with vegetation are needed to maintain the most diverse insectivorous bat fauna in Mexico City.

REGISTROS SOBRESALIENTES DE MAMÍFEROS DEL ESTADO DE GUERRERO, MÉXICO

Information on geographic distribution, habitat, measurements, and reproductive condition of five species of mammals from Guerrero, Mexico, is provided. Two species are new records for the State (Nyctinomops femorosaccus and Sigmodon leucotis), one is the second record (Spermophilus variegatus variegatus), one is the third record (Nyctinomops macrotis), and one is the fourth record (Herpailurus yagouaroundi tolteca).