Big-eared brown bat explained

The big-eared brown bat (Histiotus macrotus) is a species of vesper bat found in Argentina, Paraguay, and Chile.

Taxonomy

It was described as a new species in 1835 by German zoologist Eduard Friedrich Poeppig. Poeppig placed it in the genus Nycticeius, with a binomial of N. macrotus.^[1] By 1875, it was published under its current name combination, Histiotus macrotus.^[2]

Description

It has large ears that exceed in length.^[3] The fur on its back is dark brown, while its belly fur is whitish. The flight membranes and ears are the darkest parts of its body.^[4]

Range and habitat

It is found in South America, where its range includes Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay. One study published that the species was found in Peru, though the image of the specimen did not appear to show the big-eared brown bat. It has been documented at a range of elevations from above sea level.

Conservation

As of 2016, it is evaluated as a least-concern species by the IUCN.

Notes and References

1. Book: Poeppig, E.. 1835 . Reise in Chile, Peru und auf dem Amazonenstrome, wahrend der Jahre 1827-1832. 451. Leipzig. F. Fleischer.
2. Peters. W.. 1875. Hr. W. Peters las über die mit Histiotus velatus verwandten Flederthiere aus Chile. German. Mr. W. Peters read about the Histiotus velatus related bats from Chile. 788–790. Monatsberichte der Königlichen Preussische Akademie des Wissenschaften zu Berlin.
3. Book: Gardner, A. L.. 2008. University of Chicago Press. 1. Mammals of South America, Volume 1: Marsupials, Xenarthrans, Shrews, and Bats. 450–452. 978-0226282428.
4. 10.3161/15081109ACC2015.17.1.012. Giménez. A. L.. Giannini. N. P.. Schiaffini. M. I.. Martin. G. M.. 2015. Geographic and potential distribution of a poorly known South American bat, Histiotus macrotus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae). Acta Chiropterologica. 17. 1. 143–158. 11336/37356. free.