Molossus verrilli, J. A. Allen, 1908

Don E. Wilson & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2019, Molossidae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 9 Bats, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 598-672 : 627

21.

Hispaniolan Mastiff Bat

Molossus verrilli

French: Molosse d'Hispaniola / German: Hispaniola-Samtfledermaus / Spanish: Molosido de La Espanola

Other common names: Hispaniolan Free-tailed Bat

Taxonomy. Molossus vernlli J. A. Allen, 1908 ,

Samana, Dominican Republic.

Molossus verrilli was recently recognized as a distinct species from M. molossus based primarily on molecular divergence. It is the only species of Molossus on Hispaniola. Monotvpic.

Distribution. Hispaniola and adjacent Gonave I ( Haiti and Dominican Republic).

Descriptive notes. Head-body 55-80 mm, tail 30-46 mm, ear 11-15 mm, hindfoot 7-11 mm, forearm 37-41 mm; weight 13-20 g. The Hispaniolan Mastiff Bat is mediumsized and overlaps in size with Pallas’s Mastiff Bat ( M. molossus ), the Aztec Mastiff Bat ( M. alvarezi ), and the Pug-nosed Mastiff Bat (M. miller). Dorsal pelage of the Hispaniolan Mastiff Bat varies from medium to dark brown, with pale band covering from one-quarter to one-half the hair length. Ventral pelage is lighter than dorsal pelage. Ears are rounded and arise from same point on forehead. Face, wings, and uropatagium are medium to dark brown. Upper lip and snout are smooth and lack any medial ridge. Tragus is small, and antitragus is constricted at its base. Skull has elongated braincase, triangular occipital region, and infraorbital foramen, opening frontally in frontal view. Basioccipital pits are moderately deep. I* is elongated, with parallel tips.

Habitat. Tropical forests, riparian forests, and urban areas from lowlands to elevations of ¢. 460 m.

Food and Feeding. The Hispaniolan Mastiff Bat is an aerial insectivore.

Breeding. Pregnant Hispaniolan Mastiff Bats were found in May, July, and September, and non-pregnant females in January-February, August, and December.

Activity patterns. The Hispaniolan Mastiff Bat starts foraging during sunset, and its activity peak lasts c.1 hour. It has been found roosting in cavities of palm trees and buildings.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. The Hispaniolan Mastiff Bat roosts in colonies of up to 23 individuals. It has been observed roosting with the Greater Bulldog Bat (Noctilio leporinus).

Status and Conservation. Not assessed on The IUCN Red List. The Hispaniolan Mastiff Bat was previously included in Pallas’s Mastiff Bat that was classified as Least Concern. Given limited distribution of the Hispaniolan Mastiff Bat, more research is needed to clarify its conservation status.

Bibliography. Klingener et al. (1978), Loureiro, Lim & Engstrom (2018), Nunez & Ledn (2011), Timm & Genoways (2003).

Figures

1. Blunt-eared Bat (Tomopeas ravus), 2. Lesser Naked Bat (Chewromeles parvidens), 3. Greater Naked Bat (Chewromeles torquatus), 4. Peters’s Little Mastff Bat (Mormopterus jugularis), 5. Reunion Little Masuft Bat (Mormopterus francoismoutoui), 6. Mauritian Little Mastiff Bat (Mormopterus acetabulosus), 7. Sumatran Little Mastift Bat (Mormopterus doriae), 8. Least Little Mastiff Bat (Mormopterus minutus), 9. Kalinowski’s Little Mastiff Bat (Mormopterus kalinowskii), 10. Incan Little Masuft Bat (Mormopterus phrudus), 11. Alvarez’s Mastff Bat (Molossus alvarez), 12. Aztec Mastff Bat (Molossus aztecus), 13. Coiban Mastuff Bat (Molossus cotbensis)

Distribution. Hispaniola and adjacent Gonave I ( Haiti and Dominican Republic ).