Cytoarchitecture of the medial nucleus of trapezoid body of three neotropical species of bats (Noctilio leporinus, Phyllostomus hastatus, and Carollia perspicillata) with different foraging behavior / Citoarquitetura do núcleo medial do corpo trapezoidal de três espécies neotropicais de morcegos (Noctilio leporinus, Phyllostomus hastatus e Carollia perspicillata) com diferentes comportamentos de forrageamento

The present study was taken to test the hypothesis that the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) of echolocating neotropical bats with different foraging behavior will exhibit morphological variations in relative size, degree of complexity and spatial distribution. The brains were collected from six male adult bats of each species: Noctilio leporinus (fish-eating), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnivorous/ omnivorous) and Carollia perspicillata (fruit-eating) and were double-embedded and transverse serial sections were cut and stained with cresyl fast violet. The results showed that the MNTB is well developed in all the bats in general and the mean length of the MNTB was 1160 ± 124 µm in N. leporinus, 400 ± 59 µm in P. hastatus and 320 ± 25µm in C. perspicillata. The body and brain weight do not reflect proportionately on the size of the MNTB in the present study. The hearing frequency spectrum did not covary with the size of the MNTB among the bats studied. The MNTB is clearly demarcated from the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body (VNTB) only in P. hastatus. The MNTB comprised mainly three types of cells in all three bats: dense-staining multipolar cells (12.5 µm and 25.0 µm diameter); light-staining multipolar cells measuring (12.5 µm and 25.0 µm diameter) and light-staining round cells (5.0 µm diameter). The large sized MNTB was observed in N. leporinus, which suggests that it relies heavily on echolocation whereas P. hastatus and C. perspicillata use echolocation as well but also rely on hearing, smell and vision.(AU)

O presente estudo foi realizado para testar a hipótese de que o núcleo medial do corpo trapezoide (MNTB) de morcegos neotropicais ecolocativos com comportamento forrageiro diferente apresenta variações morfológicas no tamanho relativo, grau de complexidade e distribuição espacial. Os cérebros foram coletados de seis morcegos machos adultos de cada espécie, Noctilio leporinus (comedor de peixe), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnívoro/onívoro) e Carollia perspicillata (comedor de frutas), e foram seccionados em série e seções seriais transversais duplas e coradas com cresil violeta. Os resultados mostraram que o MNTB é bem desenvolvido em todos os morcegos em geral e que o comprimento médio do MNTB foi de 1.160 ± 124 µm em N. leporinus, 400 ± 59 µm em P. hastatus e 320 ± 25 µm em C. perspicillata. O peso corporal e cerebral não reflete proporcionalmente o tamanho do MNTB no presente estudo. O espectro da frequência auditiva não covaria com o tamanho do MNTB entre os morcegos estudados. O MNTB é claramente demarcado do núcleo ventral do corpo trapezoidal (VNTB) apenas em P. hastatus. O MNTB compreendia principalmente três tipos de células nos três morcegos: células multipolares de coloração densa (12,5 µm e 25,0 µm de diâmetro), células multipolares de coloração clara (12,5 µm e 25,0 µm de diâmetro) e células redondas manchadas de luz (5,0 µm de diâmetro). O MNTB de grande porte foi observado em N. leporinus, o que sugere que ele depende muito da ecolocalização, enquanto P. hastatus e C. perspicillata também usam a ecolocalização, mas dependem da audição, olfato e visão.(AU)

Cytoarchitecture of the medial nucleus of trapezoid body of three neotropical species of bats (Noctilio leporinus, Phyllostomus hastatus, and Carollia perspicillata) with different foraging behavior

Abstract The present study was taken to test the hypothesis that the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) of echolocating neotropical bats with different foraging behavior will exhibit morphological variations in relative size, degree of complexity and spatial distribution. The brains were collected from six male adult bats of each species: Noctilio leporinus (fish-eating), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnivorous/ omnivorous) and Carollia perspicillata (fruit-eating) and were double-embedded and transverse serial sections were cut and stained with cresyl fast violet. The results showed that the MNTB is well developed in all the bats in general and the mean length of the MNTB was 1160 ± 124 µm in N. leporinus, 400 ± 59 µm in P. hastatus and 320 ± 25µm in C. perspicillata. The body and brain weight do not reflect proportionately on the size of the MNTB in the present study. The hearing frequency spectrum did not covary with the size of the MNTB among the bats studied. The MNTB is clearly demarcated from the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body (VNTB) only in P. hastatus. The MNTB comprised mainly three types of cells in all three bats: dense-staining multipolar cells (12.5 µm and 25.0 µm diameter); light-staining multipolar cells measuring (12.5 µm and 25.0 µm diameter) and light-staining round cells (5.0 µm diameter). The large sized MNTB was observed in N. leporinus, which suggests that it relies heavily on echolocation whereas P. hastatus and C. perspicillata use echolocation as well but also rely on hearing, smell and vision.

Resumo O presente estudo foi realizado para testar a hipótese de que o núcleo medial do corpo trapezoide (MNTB) de morcegos neotropicais ecolocativos com comportamento forrageiro diferente apresenta variações morfológicas no tamanho relativo, grau de complexidade e distribuição espacial. Os cérebros foram coletados de seis morcegos machos adultos de cada espécie, Noctilio leporinus (comedor de peixe), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnívoro/onívoro) e Carollia perspicillata (comedor de frutas), e foram seccionados em série e seções seriais transversais duplas e coradas com cresil violeta. Os resultados mostraram que o MNTB é bem desenvolvido em todos os morcegos em geral e que o comprimento médio do MNTB foi de 1.160 ± 124 µm em N. leporinus, 400 ± 59 µm em P. hastatus e 320 ± 25 µm em C. perspicillata. O peso corporal e cerebral não reflete proporcionalmente o tamanho do MNTB no presente estudo. O espectro da frequência auditiva não covaria com o tamanho do MNTB entre os morcegos estudados. O MNTB é claramente demarcado do núcleo ventral do corpo trapezoidal (VNTB) apenas em P. hastatus. O MNTB compreendia principalmente três tipos de células nos três morcegos: células multipolares de coloração densa (12,5 µm e 25,0 µm de diâmetro), células multipolares de coloração clara (12,5 µm e 25,0 µm de diâmetro) e células redondas manchadas de luz (5,0 µm de diâmetro). O MNTB de grande porte foi observado em N. leporinus, o que sugere que ele depende muito da ecolocalização, enquanto P. hastatus e C. perspicillata também usam a ecolocalização, mas dependem da audição, olfato e visão.

Seasonal influence on testicular morphophysiological parameters of bat Carollia perspicillata in fragments of the Atlantic Forest, northeastern Brazil / Influência sazonal sobre os parâmetros morfofisiológicos testiculares de Carollia perspicillata (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) em fragmentos florestais de Mata Atlântica, Nordeste do Brasil

Bats belong to the order Chiroptera, family Phyllostomidae, and present a wide diversity of reproductive strategies. However, information on the reproductive biology of male bats is scarce, mainly in the Northeast Region of Brazil. Thus, this study evaluated the seasonal testicular histomorphometry of the bat Carollia perspicillata in fragments of the Atlantic Forest in Pernambuco state. To this end, adult males were collected, euthanized for removal of the testicles, and later submitted to a routine histological technique. Histomorphometric analysis included assessment of the areas of tubular and intertubular compartment occupation, as well as quantification of spermatocytes, rounded spermatids, elongated spermatids, and Sertoli and Leydig cells. Results indicated that this bat species presents reproductive seasonality, because significantly higher averages of the testicular parameters were observed in the rainy season, which is a period of greater availability of food resources. Such inferences indicate that there is a synchrony between peak spermatogenesis and hormonal inversion in the months of high precipitation; furthermore, a higher carrying capacity of the Sertoli cells is noted. C. perspicillata males possibly present greater sperm and androgenic activity in the rainy season, associated with increased tubular area and number of spermatogenic cells, as well as with the intertubular area and number of Leydig cells, respectively.(AU)

Os morcegos pertencem a ordem Chiroptera, família Phyllostomidae, e apresentam ampla diversidade de estratégias reprodutivas. Entretanto, as informações relacionadas à biologia reprodutiva dos machos são escassas, principalmente no Nordeste do Brasil. Dessa forma, o trabalho avaliou a histomorfometria sazonal testicular de Carollia perspicillata em fragmentos de Mata Atlântica de Pernambuco. Para tanto, os machos adultos foram coletados, eutanasiados para a remoção dos testículos, e posteriormente submetidos à técnica histológica de rotina. As análises histomorfométricas avaliaram as áreas de ocupação do compartimento tubular e intertubular, assim como a quantificação dos espermatócitos, espermátides arredondadas, espermátides alongadas, células de Sertoli e de Leydig. Os resultados indicaram que a espécie apresenta sazonalidade reprodutiva, visto que maiores médias significativas dos parâmetros testiculares foram encontradas na estação chuvosa, que é um período de maior disponibilidade de recursos alimentares. Tais inferências indicam que existe uma sincronia entre o pico de espermatogênese e investimento hormonal nos meses de alta precipitação, atrelado a isso, nota-se ainda, uma maior capacidade de suporte das células de Sertoli. Os machos de C. perspicillata possivelmente apresentam uma maior atividade espermática e androgênica na estação chuvosa, associadas ao aumento da área tubular e do número de células espermatogênicas, assim como da área intertubular e do número das células de Leydig, respectivamente.(AU)

Seasonal influence on testicular morphophysiological parameters of bat Carollia perspicillata in fragments of the Atlantic Forest, northeastern Brazil / Influência sazonal sobre os parâmetros morfofisiológicos testiculares de Carollia perspicillata (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) em fragmentos florestais de Mata Atlântica, Nordeste do Brasil

Bats belong to the order Chiroptera, family Phyllostomidae, and present a wide diversity of reproductive strategies. However, information on the reproductive biology of male bats is scarce, mainly in the Northeast Region of Brazil. Thus, this study evaluated the seasonal testicular histomorphometry of the bat Carollia perspicillata in fragments of the Atlantic Forest in Pernambuco state. To this end, adult males were collected, euthanized for removal of the testicles, and later submitted to a routine histological technique. Histomorphometric analysis included assessment of the areas of tubular and intertubular compartment occupation, as well as quantification of spermatocytes, rounded spermatids, elongated spermatids, and Sertoli and Leydig cells. Results indicated that this bat species presents reproductive seasonality, because significantly higher averages of the testicular parameters were observed in the rainy season, which is a period of greater availability of food resources. Such inferences indicate that there is a synchrony between peak spermatogenesis and hormonal inversion in the months of high precipitation; furthermore, a higher carrying capacity of the Sertoli cells is noted. C. perspicillata males possibly present greater sperm and androgenic activity in the rainy season, associated with increased tubular area and number of spermatogenic cells, as well as with the intertubular area and number of Leydig cells, respectively.(AU)

Os morcegos pertencem a ordem Chiroptera, família Phyllostomidae, e apresentam ampla diversidade de estratégias reprodutivas. Entretanto, as informações relacionadas à biologia reprodutiva dos machos são escassas, principalmente no Nordeste do Brasil. Dessa forma, o trabalho avaliou a histomorfometria sazonal testicular de Carollia perspicillata em fragmentos de Mata Atlântica de Pernambuco. Para tanto, os machos adultos foram coletados, eutanasiados para a remoção dos testículos, e posteriormente submetidos à técnica histológica de rotina. As análises histomorfométricas avaliaram as áreas de ocupação do compartimento tubular e intertubular, assim como a quantificação dos espermatócitos, espermátides arredondadas, espermátides alongadas, células de Sertoli e de Leydig. Os resultados indicaram que a espécie apresenta sazonalidade reprodutiva, visto que maiores médias significativas dos parâmetros testiculares foram encontradas na estação chuvosa, que é um período de maior disponibilidade de recursos alimentares. Tais inferências indicam que existe uma sincronia entre o pico de espermatogênese e investimento hormonal nos meses de alta precipitação, atrelado a isso, nota-se ainda, uma maior capacidade de suporte das células de Sertoli. Os machos de C. perspicillata possivelmente apresentam uma maior atividade espermática e androgênica na estação chuvosa, associadas ao aumento da área tubular e do número de células espermatogênicas, assim como da área intertubular e do número das células de Leydig, respectivamente.(AU)

Cytoarchitecture of the medial nucleus of trapezoid body of three neotropical species of bats (Noctilio leporinus, Phyllostomus hastatus, and Carollia perspicillata) with different foraging behavior

Abstract The present study was taken to test the hypothesis that the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) of echolocating neotropical bats with different foraging behavior will exhibit morphological variations in relative size, degree of complexity and spatial distribution. The brains were collected from six male adult bats of each species: Noctilio leporinus (fish-eating), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnivorous/ omnivorous) and Carollia perspicillata (fruit-eating) and were double-embedded and transverse serial sections were cut and stained with cresyl fast violet. The results showed that the MNTB is well developed in all the bats in general and the mean length of the MNTB was 1160 ± 124 µm in N. leporinus, 400 ± 59 µm in P. hastatus and 320 ± 25µm in C. perspicillata. The body and brain weight do not reflect proportionately on the size of the MNTB in the present study. The hearing frequency spectrum did not covary with the size of the MNTB among the bats studied. The MNTB is clearly demarcated from the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body (VNTB) only in P. hastatus. The MNTB comprised mainly three types of cells in all three bats: dense-staining multipolar cells (12.5 µm and 25.0 µm diameter); light-staining multipolar cells measuring (12.5 µm and 25.0 µm diameter) and light-staining round cells (5.0 µm diameter). The large sized MNTB was observed in N. leporinus, which suggests that it relies heavily on echolocation whereas P. hastatus and C. perspicillata use echolocation as well but also rely on hearing, smell and vision.

Resumo O presente estudo foi realizado para testar a hipótese de que o núcleo medial do corpo trapezoide (MNTB) de morcegos neotropicais ecolocativos com comportamento forrageiro diferente apresenta variações morfológicas no tamanho relativo, grau de complexidade e distribuição espacial. Os cérebros foram coletados de seis morcegos machos adultos de cada espécie, Noctilio leporinus (comedor de peixe), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnívoro/onívoro) e Carollia perspicillata (comedor de frutas), e foram seccionados em série e seções seriais transversais duplas e coradas com cresil violeta. Os resultados mostraram que o MNTB é bem desenvolvido em todos os morcegos em geral e que o comprimento médio do MNTB foi de 1.160 ± 124 µm em N. leporinus, 400 ± 59 µm em P. hastatus e 320 ± 25 µm em C. perspicillata. O peso corporal e cerebral não reflete proporcionalmente o tamanho do MNTB no presente estudo. O espectro da frequência auditiva não covaria com o tamanho do MNTB entre os morcegos estudados. O MNTB é claramente demarcado do núcleo ventral do corpo trapezoidal (VNTB) apenas em P. hastatus. O MNTB compreendia principalmente três tipos de células nos três morcegos: células multipolares de coloração densa (12,5 µm e 25,0 µm de diâmetro), células multipolares de coloração clara (12,5 µm e 25,0 µm de diâmetro) e células redondas manchadas de luz (5,0 µm de diâmetro). O MNTB de grande porte foi observado em N. leporinus, o que sugere que ele depende muito da ecolocalização, enquanto P. hastatus e C. perspicillata também usam a ecolocalização, mas dependem da audição, olfato e visão.

New record, host and localities of bat mite of genus Chirnyssoides (Acari, Sarcoptiformes, Sarcoptidae) / Novo registro, hospedeiros e localidades do ácaro de morcego do gênero Chirnyssoides (Acari, Sarcoptiformes, Sarcoptidae)

Chirnyssoides parasitizes the anterior and posterior edges of bat wing membranes. Possibly due to a lack of studies, its distribution is believed to be restricted to a few countries of Central and South America, but its actual range is probably wider. The purpose of this paper is to report the presence of Chirnyssoides amazonae on the bat Carollia perspicillata in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and to present a checklist of hosts and localities for Chirnyssoides. Eleven females and 22 egg clusters of C. amazonae were collected from 11 individuals of C. perspicillata captured in Tinguá Biological Reserve using mist nets. Our search of the literature came up with 69 records of Chirnyssoides. There are reports of Chirnyssoides caparti, Chirnyssoides amazonae, Chirnyssoides brasiliensis and Chirnyssoides phyllostomus in Brazil. This paper reports the first record of Chirnyssoides amazonae in the state of Rio de Janeiro and the second in Brazil, indicating that their known distribution extends to the south. There are records of C. amazonae and C. surinamensis parasitizing C. perspicillata, but this is the first record of C. amazonae on C. perspicillata in Brazil.

Chirnyssoides está associado às bordas anteriores e posteriores das membranas das asas de morcegos. Sua distribuição é restrita a alguns países da América Central e do Sul, principalmente devido a falta de estudos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi registrar Chirnyssoides amazonae em Carollia perspicillata no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, bem como apresentar uma lista de hospedeiros e localidades para Chirnyssoides. Onze fêmeas e 22 aglomerados de ovos de C. amazonae foram colhidos em 11 indivíduos de C. perspicillata capturados na Reserva Biológica do Tinguá, utilizando redes de neblina. Na literatura encontramos 69 registros de Chirnyssoides. Para o Brasil há relatos de Chirnyssoides caparti, Chirnyssoides amazonae, Chirnyssoides brasiliensis e Chirnyssoides phyllostomus. Este estudo relata o primeiro registro de Chirnyssoides amazonae no Rio de Janeiro e o segundo para o Brasil expandindo sua distribuição para o sul. Em C. perspicillata há registros de C. amazonae e C. surinamensis, sendo o primeiro registro de C. amazonae em C. perspicillata no Brasil.

New record, host and localities of bat mite of genusChirnyssoides (Acari, Sarcoptiformes, Sarcoptidae)

Chirnyssoides parasitizes the anterior and posterior edges of bat wing membranes. Possibly due to a lack of studies, its distribution is believed to be restricted to a few countries of Central and South America, but its actual range is probably wider. The purpose of this paper is to report the presence of Chirnyssoides amazonae on the bat Carollia perspicillata in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and to present a checklist of hosts and localities for Chirnyssoides. Eleven females and 22 egg clusters of C. amazonae were collected from 11 individuals of C. perspicillata captured in Tinguá Biological Reserve using mist nets. Our search of the literature came up with 69 records of Chirnyssoides. There are reports ofChirnyssoides caparti, Chirnyssoides amazonae, Chirnyssoides brasiliensis andChirnyssoides phyllostomus in Brazil. This paper reports the first record of Chirnyssoides amazonae in the state of Rio de Janeiro and the second in Brazil, indicating that their known distribution extends to the south. There are records of C. amazonae andC. surinamensis parasitizing C. perspicillata, but this is the first record of C. amazonae on C. perspicillata in Brazil.

Chirnyssoides está associado ás bordas anteriores e posteriores das membranas das asas de morcegos. Sua distribuição é restrita a alguns países da América Central e do Sul, principalmente devido á falta de estudos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi registrar Chirnyssoides amazonae emCarollia perspicillata no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, bem como apresentar uma lista de hospedeiros e localidades paraChirnyssoides. Onze fêmeas e 22 aglomerados de ovos deC. amazonae foram colhidos em 11 indivíduos de C. perspicillata capturados na Reserva Biológica do Tinguá, utilizando redes de neblina. Na literatura encontramos 69 registros deChirnyssoides. Para o Brasil há relatos deChirnyssoides caparti, Chirnyssoides amazonae, Chirnyssoides brasiliensis eChirnyssoides phyllostomus. Este estudo relata o primeiro registro de Chirnyssoides amazonae no Rio de Janeiro e o segundo para o Brasil expandindo sua distribuição para o sul. Em C. perspicillata há registros de C. amazonae eC. surinamensis, sendo o primeiro registro de C. amazonae em C. perspicillata no Brasil.

First record of partial albinism (leucism) in Carollia perspicillata (Phyllostomidae) in Ecuador

One individual of Carollia perspicillata showing partial albinism (leucism) is reported in this study. The specimen was captured in a mist net at Estero Inés, San Francisco River Basin, located in the southwestern of Esmeraldas Province, northwestern Ecuador. The adult, female, presents a high degree of albinism over most of the body. This is the first report of leucism in Ecuador not only for bats, but for all small mammals.

Isolation of the rabies virus in Carollia perspicillata in Central Brazil / Isolamento do virus rabico no morcego Carollia perspicillata em Niquelandia, Goias

Rabies is an infectious disease responsible for great economical losses and a serious case of public health. Non- hematophagous bats have important roles in the transmission of the rabies, although their participation has received low attention due to the low economical and medical-sanitary impact caused by them. This study presents the isolation of the rabies virus in the short-tailed fruit bat Carollia perspicillata in Niquelândia, Goiás state, Brazil. The laboratorial diagnosis was accomplished by direct immunofluorescense and intra-cerebral inoculation in mice. The bat was captured in a bat survey in the region and did not present symptomatic characteristics for the disease. The report points for the need of a program of animal sanity that prioritizes the prevention and for attention in the handling of bats for lay and professionals.

A raiva é uma enfermidade infecciosa responsável por grandes perdas econômicas, constituindo-se, também, num sério caso de saúde pública. Morcegos não hematófagos têm papel importante na transmissão da raiva, embora sua participação seja menos valorizada pelo baixo impacto econômico e médico sanitário. O presente estudo apresenta o isolamento do vírus rábico no morcego herbívoro Carollia perspicillata na região de Niquelândia, Goiás. O diagnóstico laboratorial foi realizado pelo exame de imunofluorescência direta e inoculação intracerebral em camundongos. O morcego não apresentava quadro sintomático e foi capturado em um levantamento de espécies de morcegos da região. O relato aponta para a necessidade de um programa de sanidade animal que priorize a prevenção e para o devido cuidado no manuseio de quirópteros tanto para leigos quanto para profissionais.

O uso de RFLP na filogeografia de Carollia perspicillata, Linnaeus 1758 (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)

Molecular data has been used succesfully in evolutionary biology, allowing accurate estimates forgenetic diversity within and between populations in a species, identify clades and test biogeographic hypothesis.The short-tailed fruit bat Carollia perspicillata belongs to the subfamily Carollinae (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)and is distributed from Mexico to Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. In a previous study using mtDNA cytochromeb gene sequences, two haplotype groups were identified in Latin America for C. perspicillata. One of these groups, identified as Clade B, was distributed along the Brazlian Atlantic Forest, while the other group, Clade A,occurred from Central America and the Guyanas to Northeastern Brazil, where it co-occurred in full sympatry forsome locaties in the Northern portion of the Atlantic Forest. The objective of this study was to determine if RFLPidentifies the same clades previously identified from cytochrome b sequences, and if the individuals from theAmazon region, which had not been sampled in the previous study, would fit within one of these clades. Theresults show that Amazonian samples belong to both clades and suggests that the Amazon region might be agradient or cline with a transition from Clade A (Northern) and Clade B (Coastal and Southern), that developedperhaps due to a break in gene flow due to geographic isolation.

New evidence of bat predation by the woolly false vampire bat Chrotopterus auritus / New evidence of bat predation by the woolly false vampire bat Chrotopterus auritus

We report on an additional evidence of bat predation by Chrotopterus auritus. Our record was obtained during a single net session, when a female C. auritus was captured with a partially eaten Carollia perspicillata. Preliminary data suggest that this latter species is very abundant in the region (a lowland Atlantic Forest area in northern Rio de Janeiro state), corroborating the view of C. auritus as an opportunistic feeder.

We report on an additional evidence of bat predation by Chrotopterus auritus. Our record was obtained during a single net session, when a female C. auritus was captured with a partially eaten Carollia perspicillata.Preliminary data suggest that this latter species is very abundant in the region (a lowland Atlantic Forest area in northern Rio de Janeiro state), corroborating the view of C. auritus as an opportunistic feeder.

Food habits of the frog-eating bat, Trachops cirrhosus, in Atlantic Forest of Northeastern Brazil

The frog-eating bat, Trachops cirrhosus, is a medium-sized carnivore bat (28-45 g), which appears to feed mainly on frogs, although it also eats lizards, some insects and occasional fruits, small mammals and birds. This species is able to identify frog species by their vocalizations and avoid poisonous species. In August 2002 we found three feeding roosts of T. cirrhosus in an abandoned house within the Reserva Biológica de Saltinho, Pernambuco state. Despite their high behavioral specialization to consume frogs, in the Saltinho Reserve frog-eating bats consumed mainly birds and perhaps bats.

New evidence of bat predation by the woolly false vampire bat Chrotopterus auritus / New evidence of bat predation by the woolly false vampire bat Chrotopterus auritus

We report on an additional evidence of bat predation by Chrotopterus auritus. Our record was obtained during a single net session, when a female C. auritus was captured with a partially eaten Carollia perspicillata. Preliminary data suggest that this latter species is very abundant in the region (a lowland Atlantic Forest area in northern Rio de Janeiro state), corroborating the view of C. auritus as an opportunistic feeder.

We report on an additional evidence of bat predation by Chrotopterus auritus. Our record was obtained during a single net session, when a female C. auritus was captured with a partially eaten Carollia perspicillata.Preliminary data suggest that this latter species is very abundant in the region (a lowland Atlantic Forest area in northern Rio de Janeiro state), corroborating the view of C. auritus as an opportunistic feeder.

Isolation of the rabies virus in Carollia perspicillata in Central Brazil / Isolamento do virus rabico no morcego Carollia perspicillata em Niquelandia, Goias

Rabies is an infectious disease responsible for great economical losses and a serious case of public health. Non- hematophagous bats have important roles in the transmission of the rabies, although their participation has received low attention due to the low economical and medical-sanitary impact caused by them. This study presents the isolation of the rabies virus in the short-tailed fruit bat Carollia perspicillata in Niquelândia, Goiás state, Brazil. The laboratorial diagnosis was accomplished by direct immunofluorescense and intra-cerebral inoculation in mice. The bat was captured in a bat survey in the region and did not present symptomatic characteristics for the disease. The report points for the need of a program of animal sanity that prioritizes the prevention and for attention in the handling of bats for lay and professionals. 

A raiva é uma enfermidade infecciosa responsável por grandes perdas econômicas, constituindo-se, também, num sério caso de saúde pública. Morcegos não hematófagos têm papel importante na transmissão da raiva, embora sua participação seja menos valorizada pelo baixo impacto econômico e médico sanitário. O presente estudo apresenta o isolamento do vírus rábico no morcego herbívoro Carollia perspicillata na região de Niquelândia, Goiás. O diagnóstico laboratorial foi realizado pelo exame de imunofluorescência direta e inoculação intracerebral em camundongos. O morcego não apresentava quadro sintomático e foi capturado em um levantamento de espécies de morcegos da região. O relato aponta para a necessidade de um programa de sanidade animal que priorize a prevenção e para o devido cuidado no manuseio de quirópteros tanto para leigos quanto para profissionais.

First record of partial albinism (leucism) in Carollia perspicillata (Phyllostomidae) in Ecuador

One individual of Carollia perspicillata showing partial albinism (leucism) is reported in this study. The specimen was captured in a mist net at Estero Inés, San Francisco River Basin, located in the southwestern of Esmeraldas Province, northwestern Ecuador. The adult, female, presents a high degree of albinism over most of the body. This is the first report of leucism in Ecuador not only for bats, but for all small mammals.

O uso de RFLP na filogeografia de Carollia perspicillata, Linnaeus 1758 (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae).

Molecular data has been used succesfully in evolutionary biology, allowing accurate estimates forgenetic diversity within and between populations in a species, identify clades and test biogeographic hypothesis.The short-tailed fruit bat Carollia perspicillata belongs to the subfamily Carollinae (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)and is distributed from Mexico to Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. In a previous study using mtDNA cytochromeb gene sequences, two haplotype groups were identified in Latin America for C. perspicillata. One of these groups, identified as Clade B, was distributed along the Brazlian Atlantic Forest, while the other group, Clade A,occurred from Central America and the Guyanas to Northeastern Brazil, where it co-occurred in full sympatry forsome locaties in the Northern portion of the Atlantic Forest. The objective of this study was to determine if RFLPidentifies the same clades previously identified from cytochrome b sequences, and if the individuals from theAmazon region, which had not been sampled in the previous study, would fit within one of these clades. Theresults show that Amazonian samples belong to both clades and suggests that the Amazon region might be agradient or cline with a transition from Clade A (Northern) and Clade B (Coastal and Southern), that developedperhaps due to a break in gene flow due to geographic isolation.

Food habits of the frog-eating bat, Trachops cirrhosus, in Atlantic Forest of Northeastern Brazil

The frog-eating bat, Trachops cirrhosus, is a medium-sized carnivore bat (28-45 g), which appears to feed mainly on frogs, although it also eats lizards, some insects and occasional fruits, small mammals and birds. This species is able to identify frog species by their vocalizations and avoid poisonous species. In August 2002 we found three feeding roosts of T. cirrhosus in an abandoned house within the Reserva Biológica de Saltinho, Pernambuco state. Despite their high behavioral specialization to consume frogs, in the Saltinho Reserve frog-eating bats consumed mainly birds and perhaps bats.