Anoura aequatoris (also known as the equatorial tailless bat)[2] is a species of microbat that lives in South America in the countries of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

Anoura aequatoris
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Phyllostomidae
Genus: Anoura
Species:
A. aequatoris
Binomial name
Anoura aequatoris
(Lönnberg, 1921)
Synonyms
  • Anoura caudifer aequatoris Lönnberg, 1921

Taxonomy edit

When first described in 1921, Einar Lönnberg classified Anoura aequatoris as a subspecies of Anoura caudifer. In 2006, Mantilla-Meluk and Baker argued that there were enough differences between the two to elevate Anoura aequatoris to the level of distinct species.[1][2][3] This conclusion, however, has been challenged. Some believe that it is not distinct enough to warrant separation from A. caudifera, and that further analysis is needed.[4] A 2008 study challenged that elevating it to a species overstated the amount of diversity within the genus, and that it should remain a subspecies.[5]

Description edit

A. aequatoris can be differentiated from A. caudifer on the basis of its morphology, including its densely furred uropatagium that has a fringe of long hairs along its edge. Additionally, A. aequatoris is smaller, with a skull length of approximately 22.5 mm (0.89 in) and forearm lengths of 34.3–35.9 mm (1.35–1.41 in).[3]

Range and habitat edit

A. aequatoris is found in South America, where it has been documented in the following countries: Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. It is found at high elevations from 600–1,500 m (2,000–4,900 ft) above sea level. It is associated with montane forests.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Aguirre, L.; Solari, S. (2019). "Anoura aequatoris". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T88109381A88109461. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T88109381A88109461.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b Oprea, M.; Aguliar, L. M. S.; Wilson, D. E. (2009). "Anoura caudifer (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)". Mammalian Species (844): 2. doi:10.1644/844.1.
  3. ^ a b Mantilla-Meluk, H.; Baker, R. J. (2006). "Systematics of Small Anoura (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) from Colombia, with Description of a New Species". Occasional Papers Museum of Texas Tech University. 261.
  4. ^ Calderón-Acevedo, C. A.; Muchhala, N. C. "Species limits in the Neotropical Bat Genus Anoura Gray". Group. 40: 50.
  5. ^ Jarrín-V, P.; Kunz, T. H. (2008). "Taxonomic history of the genus Anoura (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) with insights into the challenges of morphological species delimitation". Acta Chiropterologica. 10 (2): 257–269. doi:10.3161/150811008X414836. S2CID 86094155.