Geographic variation in ectoparasitic mites diversity in Tadarida Brasiliensis (Chiroptera, Molossidae) / Variação geográfica na diversidade de ácaros ectoparasitos em Tadarida Brasiliensis (Chiroptera, Molossidae)

Tadarida brasiliensis (Geoffroy, 1824), the Brazilian free-tailed bat, is an insectivorous bat that occurs from southern United States of America to southern South America. In this study we present the first data on diversity of ectoparasitic mites of T. brasiliensis in Brazil. A compilation and analysis of the studies of mite diversity conducted in different points the geographic distribution this bat species are provided. The mites were collected from March 2010 to November 2011 on 160 T. brasiliensis adult bats captured in southern Brazil. Four species of mites have been found: Chiroptonyssus robustipes (Ewing, 1925), Ewingana longa (Ewing, 1938), Ewingana inaequalis (Radford, 1948), and specimens of Cheyletidae. Chiroptonyssus robustipes was the most prevalent species (100%), followed by E. longa (20%), E. inaequalis (10%), and specimens of Cheyletidae (1.25%). The data currently available show that C. robustipes parasitizes T. brasiliensis throughout its region of occurrence, and this mite is highly prevalent and abundant. The two species of Ewingana accompany the geographical distribution of T. brasiliensis, but with much lower prevalence and abundance.(AU)

Tadarida brasiliensis (Geoffroy, 1824) é um morcego insetívoro que ocorre desde o sul dos Estados Unidos até o sul da América do Sul. Neste estudo são apresentados os primeiros dados sobre diversidade de ácaros ectoparasitos de T. brasiliensis no Brasil e é disponibilizada uma compilação e análise dos estudos de diversidade de ácaros realizados nos diferentes pontos da distribuição geográfica desta espécie de morcego. Os ácaros foram coletados de 160 espécimes adultos de T. brasiliensis capturados no extremo sul do Brasil, entre março de 2010 e novembro de 2011. Quatro espécies de ácaros foram coletadas: Chiroptonyssus robustipes (Ewing, 1925), Ewingana longa (Ewing, 1938), Ewingana inaequalis (Radford, 1948) e espécimes de Cheyletidae. Chiroptonyssus robustipes foi a espécie mais prevalente (100%), seguido de E. longa (20%), E. inaequalis (10%) e exemplares de Cheyletidae (1,25%). Os dados disponíveis atualmente demonstram que C. robustipes parasita T. brasiliensis em toda sua região de ocorrência e que este ácaro é altamente prevalente e abundante. As duas espécies de Ewingana acompanham a distribuição geográfica de T. brasiliensis, porém com prevalências e abundâncias muito menores.(AU)

Geographic variation in ectoparasitic mites diversity in Tadarida Brasiliensis (Chiroptera, Molossidae) / Variação geográfica na diversidade de ácaros ectoparasitos em Tadarida Brasiliensis (Chiroptera, Molossidae)

Tadarida brasiliensis (Geoffroy, 1824), the Brazilian free-tailed bat, is an insectivorous bat that occurs from southern United States of America to southern South America. In this study we present the first data on diversity of ectoparasitic mites of T. brasiliensis in Brazil. A compilation and analysis of the studies of mite diversity conducted in different points the geographic distribution this bat species are provided. The mites were collected from March 2010 to November 2011 on 160 T. brasiliensis adult bats captured in southern Brazil. Four species of mites have been found: Chiroptonyssus robustipes (Ewing, 1925), Ewingana longa (Ewing, 1938), Ewingana inaequalis (Radford, 1948), and specimens of Cheyletidae. Chiroptonyssus robustipes was the most prevalent species (100%), followed by E. longa (20%), E. inaequalis (10%), and specimens of Cheyletidae (1.25%). The data currently available show that C. robustipes parasitizes T. brasiliensis throughout its region of occurrence, and this mite is highly prevalent and abundant. The two species of Ewingana accompany the geographical distribution of T. brasiliensis, but with much lower prevalence and abundance.

Tadarida brasiliensis (Geoffroy, 1824) é um morcego insetívoro que ocorre desde o sul dos Estados Unidos até o sul da América do Sul. Neste estudo são apresentados os primeiros dados sobre diversidade de ácaros ectoparasitos de T. brasiliensis no Brasil e é disponibilizada uma compilação e análise dos estudos de diversidade de ácaros realizados nos diferentes pontos da distribuição geográfica desta espécie de morcego. Os ácaros foram coletados de 160 espécimes adultos de T. brasiliensis capturados no extremo sul do Brasil, entre março de 2010 e novembro de 2011. Quatro espécies de ácaros foram coletadas: Chiroptonyssus robustipes (Ewing, 1925), Ewingana longa (Ewing, 1938), Ewingana inaequalis (Radford, 1948) e espécimes de Cheyletidae. Chiroptonyssus robustipes foi a espécie mais prevalente (100%), seguido de E. longa (20%), E. inaequalis (10%) e exemplares de Cheyletidae (1,25%). Os dados disponíveis atualmente demonstram que C. robustipes parasita T. brasiliensis em toda sua região de ocorrência e que este ácaro é altamente prevalente e abundante. As duas espécies de Ewingana acompanham a distribuição geográfica de T. brasiliensis, porém com prevalências e abundâncias muito menores.

Molecular detection of Neorickettsia risticii in Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) from Buenos Aires, Argentina

Neorickettsia risticii is the causative agent of Potomac Horse Fever, a severe febrile disease affecting horses, transmitted by trematodes species with a complex life cycle. A total of 30 insectivorous bats (Brazilian free-tailed bat Tadarida brasiliensis) were analyzed by PCR for presence of genus Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Neorickettsia and Rickettsia. Three samples showed positive reactions for genus Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Neorickettsia, and the sequences were 99.67% identical to Neorickettsia risticii. The role of bats in the life cycle of N. risticii has yet to be elucidated; however bats may be reservoirs for this bacterium. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of N. risticii in Argentina.(AU)

ESTUDO METAGENÔMICO PARA MONITORAMENTO DE VÍRUS EM AMOSTRAS DE MORCEGOS DO PROGRAMA DA RAIVA DO RIO GRANDE DO SUL

Morcegos são reservatórios naturais de uma grande variedade de vírus de interesse a saúde pública, incluindo vírus zoonóticos que podem causar patologias graves aos humanos. Dados epidemiológicos demonstram que o morcego é a espécie animal responsável pela maioria dos casos de raiva humana no Brasil nas últimas duas décadas. A mudança no perfil epidemiológico desta doença, que anteriormente era predominantemente transmitida por cães, gerou um aumento nas amostras de morcegos enviadas aos órgãos públicos para a vigilância do vírus rábico. No presente estudo, amostras obtidas de morcegos urbanos da espécie Tadarida brasiliensis monitorados no âmbito do Programa de Controle e Profilaxia da Raiva do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul foram analisadas por abordagem de metagenômica, com objetivo de identificar outros vírus, que representassem risco à saúde pública ou não, colaborando para a melhor compreensão da diversidade viral destes animais. Foram encontradas sequências relacionadas a 04 famílias virais que infectam uma ampla variedade de hospedeiros: Anelloviridae, Circoviridae, Papillomaviridae e Poxviridae. Estes achados auxiliam no melhor conhecimento sobre os vírus carreados por morcegos desta região e demonstram que o uso da metagenômica como instrumento de vigilância amplia a gama de vírus de interesse que podem ser monitorados nestas amostras.

Bats are natural reservoirs for a wide variety of viruses of public health concern, including zoonotic viruses that can cause severe diseases in humans. Epidemiological data revealed that bats are the animal species responsible for most cases of human rabies in Brazil in the last two decades. This change in the rabies epidemiological profile, which was previously predominantly transmitted by dogs, generated an increase in the number of bats samples sent to public organs for surveillance of rabies virus. In the present study, samples obtained from urban bats from the species Brazilian free-tailed bat, monitored under the Rio Grande do Sul State Rabies Control and Prophylaxis Program were analyzed by a metagenomic approach with the objective of identifying other viruses, that pose as a risk to public health or not, providing a better understanding of bats viral diversity locally and in the general way. Sequences related to 04 viral families that infect a wide variety of hosts have been found: Anelloviridae, Circoviridae, Papillomaviridae e Poxviridae. These findings improves the knowledge about the viruses carried by these animals and demonstrate that the use of metagenomics as a surveillance tool expand the range of viruses of public health concern investigated in these samples.

Seasonal variation of energy reserves and reproduction in neotropical free-tailed bats Molossus molossus (Chiroptera: Molossidae) / Variação sazonal das reservas energéticas e a reprodução do morcego neotropical de cauda livre Molossus molossus (Chiroptera: Molossidae)

Seasonal variation is a key factor regulating energy metabolism and reproduction in several mammals, including bats. This study aimed to track seasonal changes in the energy reserves of the insectivorous bat Molossus molossus associated with its reproductive cycle. Adult males were collected during the four neotropical annual seasons in Viçosa - MG, Brazil. Blood and tissues were collected for metabolic analysis and testes were removed for histology and morphometry. Our results show that liver and breast muscle glycogen concentrations were significantly lower in winter. The adiposity index was significantly higher in the fall compared to winter and spring. Seminiferous tubules were greater in diameter in animals captured in fall and winter, indicating a higher investment in spermatic production during these seasons. The percentage of Leydig cells was higher in summer compared to fall and winter. We suggest that M. molossus presents a type of seasonal reproduction with two peaks of testicular activity: one in fall, with higher sperm production (spermatogenesis), and another in summer, with higher hormone production (steroidogenesis). The metabolic pattern may be associated with reproductive events, especially due to the highest fat storage observed in the fall, which coincides with the further development of the seminiferous tubules.(AU)

A variação sazonal é um fator chave na regulação do metabolismo energético e da reprodução em vários mamíferos, incluindo os morcegos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as reservas energéticas do morcego insetívoro Molossus molossus ao longo das estações anuais associadas ao seu ciclo reprodutivo. Foram coletados machos adultos durante as quatro estações anuais na cidade de Viçosa - MG, Brasil. Para as análises metabólicas foram coletados tecidos e sangue, e os testículos foram removidos para análises histológicas e morfométricas. Os resultados mostram que as concentrações de glicogênio no fígado e músculo peitoral foram significativamente menores no inverno. O índice adiposo foi significativamente maior no outono em relação ao inverno e primavera. Os túbulos seminíferos apresentaram maiores diâmetros nos animais coletados no outono e inverno, indicando um maior investimento na produção espermática durante estas estações. A porcentagem de células de Leydig foi maior no verão em comparação com outono e inverno. Sugere-se que M. molossus apresenta um tipo de reprodução sazonal com dois picos de atividade testicular: uma no outono, com maior produção de espermatozóides (espermatogênese), e outra no verão, com maior produção de hormônio (esteroidogênese). O padrão metabólico pode estar associado a eventos reprodutivos, especialmente devido ao maior armazenamento de gordura observado no outono, que coincide com o desenvolvimento dos túbulos seminíferos.(AU)

First record of Parakosa flexipes (Acari: Chirodiscidae) parasitizing a free-tailed bat (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in Brazil

The present study reports the occurrence of Parakosa flexipes (Pinichpongse) (Chirodiscidae) for the first time in Brazil, along with its infection sites on Molossus rufus E. Geoffroy. Thirty-eight bats were caught using mist nets that were placed near a house at the Mars Center for Cocoa Science in the state of Bahia, of which 14 (37%) were parasitized by P. flexipes. Parakosa flexipes was observed parasitizing M. rufus on hairs that were evidently longer than others distributed over the bat's body, where up to three parasites could be spotted on a single hair.

O presente estudo registra a ocorrência de Parakosa flexipes (Pinichpongse) pela primeira vez no Brasil, bem como seus sítios de infecção em Molossus rufus E. Geoffroy. Foram capturados 38 morcegos com redes-de-neblina, dispostas próximas a uma residência da "Mars Center for Cocoa Science" no Sul da Bahia, dos quais 14 (37%) estavam parasitados por P. flexipes. Parakosa flexipes foi observada parasitando M. rufus em pelos evidentemente maiores que os demais distribuídos pelo corpo do morcego, onde se pôde observar até três parasitos em um único pelo.

First record of Parakosa flexipes (Acari: Chirodiscidae) parasitizing a free-tailed bat (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in Brazil

The present study reports the occurrence of Parakosa flexipes (Pinichpongse) (Chirodiscidae) for the first time in Brazil, along with its infection sites on Molossus rufus E. Geoffroy. Thirty-eight bats were caught using mist nets that were placed near a house at the Mars Center for Cocoa Science in the state of Bahia, of which 14 (37%) were parasitized by P. flexipes. Parakosa flexipes was observed parasitizing M. rufus on hairs that were evidently longer than others distributed over the bat's body, where up to three parasites could be spotted on a single hair.

O presente estudo registra a ocorrência de Parakosa flexipes (Pinichpongse) pela primeira vez no Brasil, bem como seus sítios de infecção em Molossus rufus E. Geoffroy. Foram capturados 38 morcegos com redes-de-neblina, dispostas próximas a uma residência da "Mars Center for Cocoa Science" no Sul da Bahia, dos quais 14 (37%) estavam parasitados por P. flexipes. Parakosa flexipes foi observada parasitando M. rufus em pelos evidentemente maiores que os demais distribuídos pelo corpo do morcego, onde se pôde observar até três parasitos em um único pelo.

First record of Parakosa flexipes (Acari: Chirodiscidae) parasitizing a free-tailed bat (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in Brazil / Primeiro registro de Parakosa flexipes (Acari: Chirodiscidae) parasitando um morcego-de-cauda-livre (Chiroptera: Molossidae) no Brasil

The present study reports the occurrence of Parakosa flexipes (Pinichpongse) (Chirodiscidae) for the first time in Brazil, along with its infection sites on Molossus rufus E. Geoffroy. Thirty-eight bats were caught using mist nets that were placed near a house at the Mars Center for Cocoa Science in the state of Bahia, of which 14 (37%) were parasitized by P. flexipes. Parakosa flexipes was observed parasitizing M. rufus on hairs that were evidently longer than others distributed over the bat's body, where up to three parasites could be spotted on a single hair.(AU)

O presente estudo registra a ocorrência de Parakosa flexipes (Pinichpongse) pela primeira vez no Brasil, bem como seus sítios de infecção em Molossus rufus E. Geoffroy. Foram capturados 38 morcegos com redes-de-neblina, dispostas próximas a uma residência da "Mars Center for Cocoa Science" no Sul da Bahia, dos quais 14 (37%) estavam parasitados por P. flexipes. Parakosa flexipes foi observada parasitando M. rufus em pelos evidentemente maiores que os demais distribuídos pelo corpo do morcego, onde se pôde observar até três parasitos em um único pelo.(AU)

Foraging activity of the free-tailed bat Molossus molossus (Chiroptera; Molossidae) in southeastern Brazil

Sunset and sunrise regulate the activities of most studied bat species. To verify patterns of foraging activity, 29 bat sampling nights were carried out over a dam in Rio de Janeiro city, which resulted in 363 hours with 730 captures, representing 13 species of insectivorous bats. Molossus molossus constituted the bulk of the captures (79.9%) and was present in 82.8% of the sampling nights. This bat species exhibited crepuscular and nocturnal activity (from -6 minutes to 900 minutes after the time of sunset). A bimodal activity pattern was observed, and two non-overlapping capture peaks. The first peak lasted from 6 minutes before sunset to 420 minutes after sunset. The second peak began at 564 minutes after sunset and ended just after sunrise. The first capture peak was observed in 75.9% of the nights, and the second peak in 62.1% of the nights. The time of the first capture exhibited a positive linear relationship with sunset and the time of the last capture, a positive linear relationship with sunrise. The existence of a relationship between night length and the difference between first and last captures of each night shows that M. molossus has longer activity the longer the night, showing a seasonal variation in the activity period.

A atividade dos morcegos inicia-se imediatamente antes, durante ou imediatamente após o pôr do sol. O início e o término das atividades dos morcegos são reguladas respectivamente pelo pôr e nascer do sol. Nesse trabalho, 29 noites de amostragem foram realizadas (total de 363 horas) sobre um açude na Cidade do Rio de Janeiro para avaliar a atividade de forrageio de Molossus molossus. Esse esforço resultou em 730 capturas de 13 espécies de morcegos insetívoros. Molossus molossus constituiu a maior parte das capturas e representou 79,9% da amostragem, presente em 82,8% das noites de coleta. Esta espécie apresenta atividade crepuscular e noturna (de -6 minutes a 900 minutos após o pôr do sol). Foi observado um padrão bimodal de atividade com picos de capturas sem superposição, sendo o primeiro 6 minutos antes do pôr do sol a 420 minutos após o pôr do sol, e o segundo aos 564 minutos após o pôr do sol e término imediatamente após o nascer do sol. O primeiro pico de captura ocorreu em 75,9% das noites e o segundo em 62,1% das noites. O horário da primeira captura resultou em uma relação linear positiva com o pôr do sol e o horário da última captura, com o nascer do sol. A existência de relação entre a duração da noite e a diferença entre a primeira e a última captura de cada noite demonstra que M. molossus tem maior período de atividade quanto mais longa é a noite, sustentando uma variação estacional do período de atividade.

First record of albinism in Tadarida brasiliensis (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in South America and new records of leucism in central Argentina

Pigmentary disorders such as albinism and leucism are rare in bats. These phenomena are caused by genetic mutations resulting in complete absence of pigmentation in eyes, skin and fur (albinism) or partial or total deficiency of pigment in all the body or parts (leucism). While monitoring a maternal colony of Tadarida brasiliensis located in Rosario, central Argentina, one albino specimen and other 12 with different kinds of leucism were recorded. The albino T. brasiliensis represents the first record for Argentina and South America. Shapes and location of these pigmentary disorders were described in leucitic individuals and compared with previous records from other authors. Here we report a new type of leucism not described until now. These records constitute the first description for South America of many individuals with different leucitic patterns in the same colony. Possible ecological implications for these atypical patterns are discussed. Keywords: Bats; fur patterns; pigmentary disorders; Brazilian free-tailed bat.

First record of albinism in Tadarida brasiliensis (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in South America and new records of leucism in central Argentina

Pigmentary disorders such as albinism and leucism are rare in bats. These phenomena are caused by genetic mutations resulting in complete absence of pigmentation in eyes, skin and fur (albinism) or partial or total deficiency of pigment in all the body or parts (leucism). While monitoring a maternal colony of Tadarida brasiliensis located in Rosario, central Argentina, one albino specimen and other 12 with different kinds of leucism were recorded. The albino T. brasiliensis represents the first record for Argentina and South America. Shapes and location of these pigmentary disorders were described in leucitic individuals and compared with previous records from other authors. Here we report a new type of leucism not described until now. These records constitute the first description for South America of many individuals with different leucitic patterns in the same colony. Possible ecological implications for these atypical patterns are discussed. Keywords: Bats; fur patterns; pigmentary disorders; Brazilian free-tailed bat.(AU)

Foraging activity of the free-tailed bat Molossus molossus (Chiroptera; Molossidae) in southeastern Brazil / Atividade de forrageio do morcego-cauda-de-rato Molossus molossus (Chiroptera; Molossidae) no Sudeste do Brasil

Sunset and sunrise regulate the activities of most studied bat species. To verify patterns of foraging activity, 29 bat sampling nights were carried out over a dam in Rio de Janeiro city, which resulted in 363 hours with 730 captures, representing 13 species of insectivorous bats. Molossus molossus constituted the bulk of the captures (79.9 percent) and was present in 82.8 percent of the sampling nights. This bat species exhibited crepuscular and nocturnal activity (from -6 minutes to 900 minutes after the time of sunset). A bimodal activity pattern was observed, and two non-overlapping capture peaks. The first peak lasted from 6 minutes before sunset to 420 minutes after sunset. The second peak began at 564 minutes after sunset and ended just after sunrise. The first capture peak was observed in 75.9 percent of the nights, and the second peak in 62.1 percent of the nights. The time of the first capture exhibited a positive linear relationship with sunset and the time of the last capture, a positive linear relationship with sunrise. The existence of a relationship between night length and the difference between first and last captures of each night shows that M. molossus has longer activity the longer the night, showing a seasonal variation in the activity period.

A atividade dos morcegos inicia-se imediatamente antes, durante ou imediatamente após o pôr do sol. O início e o término das atividades dos morcegos são reguladas respectivamente pelo pôr e nascer do sol. Nesse trabalho, 29 noites de amostragem foram realizadas (total de 363 horas) sobre um açude na Cidade do Rio de Janeiro para avaliar a atividade de forrageio de Molossus molossus. Esse esforço resultou em 730 capturas de 13 espécies de morcegos insetívoros. Molossus molossus constituiu a maior parte das capturas e representou 79,9 por cento da amostragem, presente em 82,8 por cento das noites de coleta. Esta espécie apresenta atividade crepuscular e noturna (de -6 minutes a 900 minutos após o pôr do sol). Foi observado um padrão bimodal de atividade com picos de capturas sem superposição, sendo o primeiro 6 minutos antes do pôr do sol a 420 minutos após o pôr do sol, e o segundo aos 564 minutos após o pôr do sol e término imediatamente após o nascer do sol. O primeiro pico de captura ocorreu em 75,9 por cento das noites e o segundo em 62,1 por cento das noites. O horário da primeira captura resultou em uma relação linear positiva com o pôr do sol e o horário da última captura, com o nascer do sol. A existência de relação entre a duração da noite e a diferença entre a primeira e a última captura de cada noite demonstra que M. molossus tem maior período de atividade quanto mais longa é a noite, sustentando uma variação estacional do período de atividade.

The big free-tailed bat Nyctinomops macrotis (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in Oaxaca, Mexico / The big free-tailed bat Nyctinomops macrotis (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in Oaxaca, Mexico

El murciélago Nyctinomops macrotis presenta una distribución muy amplia en el continente americano, aunque con registros escasos y zonas amplias en las que se encuentra ausente. Se registra por primera ocasión a esta especie en el estado de Oaxaca, México, lo que llena un vacío en la distribución de N. macrotis en sureste del país. Se describen la localidad de colecta y las características del ejemplar.

The big free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops macrotis) has a broad distribution in North and South America, although records tend to be sparse and there are large areas with no records. We report the first record of this species in Oaxaca, Mexico, which fills a gap in the known distribution of N. macrotis in the southeastern Mexico. The collection locality and characteristics of the specimen are described.

Ocorrência de Molossops brachymeles mastivus Thomas, 1911, no Brasil (Chiroptera, Molossidae)

Summary The present note records the free-tailed bat. Molossops brachymeles mastivus, in northern Brazil. The bat. an adult male, was captured in a "buriti" palm (Mauritia sp.) in Manaus( Amazonas. Brazil. Measurements are given and compared to those of adult male specimens of Molossops brachymeles cerastes, from southeastern Brazil. Apparently, this paper is the first record of M. brachymeles mastivus since the original description.

Resumo A presente nota registra a presença do morcego de cauda livre, Molossops brachymeles mastivus no norte do Brasil. O morcego, um macho adulto, foi capturado numa palmeira de "buriti" (Mauritia sp.) em Manaus, Amazonas. As medições são dadas e comparadas com as de machos adultos de Molossops brachymeles cerastes do sudeste brasileiro. Este trabalho é aparentemente o primeiro registro de M. brachymeles mastivus após a descrição original.

Ocorrência de Molossops brachymeles mastivus Thomas, 1911, no Brasil (Chiroptera, Molossidae)

Summary The present note records the free-tailed bat. Molossops brachymeles mastivus, in northern Brazil. The bat. an adult male, was captured in a "buriti" palm (Mauritia sp.) in Manaus( Amazonas. Brazil. Measurements are given and compared to those of adult male specimens of Molossops brachymeles cerastes, from southeastern Brazil. Apparently, this paper is the first record of M. brachymeles mastivus since the original description.

Resumo A presente nota registra a presença do morcego de cauda livre, Molossops brachymeles mastivus no norte do Brasil. O morcego, um macho adulto, foi capturado numa palmeira de "buriti" (Mauritia sp.) em Manaus, Amazonas. As medições são dadas e comparadas com as de machos adultos de Molossops brachymeles cerastes do sudeste brasileiro. Este trabalho é aparentemente o primeiro registro de M. brachymeles mastivus após a descrição original.

Initiating flight directly from the ground by Tadarida brasiliensis (Chiroptera:Molossidae) in Barbacena, state of Minas Gerais, Brasil / Initiating flight directly from the ground by Tadarida brasiliensis (Chiroptera:Molossidae) in Barbacena, state of Minas Gerais, Brasil

It is generally assumed that Molossids cannot take flight directly from the ground, needing a drop of approximately three meters in order to initiate flight. This is frequently referred as related to their long wingspan, which would prevent them from taking off from the ground. A total of 600 Tadarida brasiliensis were collected from a roof colony and put on on the ground in an Eucaliptus field; success or failure in initiating flight was observed. Most bats (592 or 98.7%) were able to initiate flight directly from the ground, and the rest had success after climbing up to 30cm on a tree trunk. This shows that gaining momentum through free fall in Molossids may be rather than a consequence of physical limitations.

It is generally assumed that Molossids cannot take flight directly from the ground, needing a drop of approximately three meters in order to initiate flight. This is frequently referred as related to their long wingspan, which would prevent them from taking off from the ground. A total of 600 Tadarida brasiliensis were collected from a roof colony and put on on the ground in an Eucaliptus field; success or failure in initiating flight was observed. Most bats (592 or 98.7%) were able to initiate flight directly from the ground, and the rest had success after climbing up to 30cm on a tree trunk. This shows that gaining momentum through free fall in Molossids may be a strategy with other finalities, such as energy saving, rather than a consequence of physical limitations.

The big free-tailed bat Nyctinomops macrotis (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in Oaxaca, Mexico / The big free-tailed bat Nyctinomops macrotis (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in Oaxaca, Mexico

El murciélago Nyctinomops macrotis presenta una distribución muy amplia en el continente americano, aunque con registros escasos y zonas amplias en las que se encuentra ausente. Se registra por primera ocasión a esta especie en el estado de Oaxaca, México, lo que llena un vacío en la distribución de N. macrotis en sureste del país. Se describen la localidad de colecta y las características del ejemplar.

The big free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops macrotis) has a broad distribution in North and South America, although records tend to be sparse and there are large areas with no records. We report the first record of this species in Oaxaca, Mexico, which fills a gap in the known distribution of N. macrotis in the southeastern Mexico. The collection locality and characteristics of the specimen are described.

Initiating flight directly from the ground by Tadarida brasiliensis (Chiroptera:Molossidae) in Barbacena, state of Minas Gerais, Brasil / Initiating flight directly from the ground by Tadarida brasiliensis (Chiroptera:Molossidae) in Barbacena, state of Minas Gerais, Brasil

It is generally assumed that Molossids cannot take flight directly from the ground, needing a drop of approximately three meters in order to initiate flight. This is frequently referred as related to their long wingspan, which would prevent them from taking off from the ground. A total of 600 Tadarida brasiliensis were collected from a roof colony and put on on the ground in an Eucaliptus field; success or failure in initiating flight was observed. Most bats (592 or 98.7%) were able to initiate flight directly from the ground, and the rest had success after climbing up to 30cm on a tree trunk. This shows that gaining momentum through free fall in Molossids may be rather than a consequence of physical limitations.

It is generally assumed that Molossids cannot take flight directly from the ground, needing a drop of approximately three meters in order to initiate flight. This is frequently referred as related to their long wingspan, which would prevent them from taking off from the ground. A total of 600 Tadarida brasiliensis were collected from a roof colony and put on on the ground in an Eucaliptus field; success or failure in initiating flight was observed. Most bats (592 or 98.7%) were able to initiate flight directly from the ground, and the rest had success after climbing up to 30cm on a tree trunk. This shows that gaining momentum through free fall in Molossids may be a strategy with other finalities, such as energy saving, rather than a consequence of physical limitations.