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Phyllostomid bats flying in daylight: a case from the Neotropics

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ABSTRACT Bats (Chiroptera), one of the most diverse groups in terms of taxonomy, morphology and ecology, are known for their nocturnal behaviour of flight and feeding. Although there is no… Click to show full abstract

ABSTRACT Bats (Chiroptera), one of the most diverse groups in terms of taxonomy, morphology and ecology, are known for their nocturnal behaviour of flight and feeding. Although there is no consensus on the evolution of nocturnality in bats, many authors mention risk of predation, overheating, competition and mobbing by non-competitor species as arguments to justify nocturnal instead of daytime flight in bats. Herein we describe the first records of three genera of phyllostomid bats flying, foraging and drinking water during daytime in the Brazilian Amazon. All taxa were recorded drinking water, and some Phyllostomus sp. individuals were recorded foraging on termites, alongside birds. Risk of dehydration and overheating in roosts, as well as low competition in daytime, may explain the emergence of phyllostomid bats before sunset.

Keywords: daylight case; phyllostomid bats; flying daylight; case neotropics; bats flying; ecology

Journal Title: Journal of Natural History
Year Published: 2017

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