Amazonian sac-winged bat
The Amazonian sac-winged bat (Saccopteryx gymnura) is a bat species of the family Emballonuridae[3] native to South America.[1]
| Amazonian sac-winged bat | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Chiroptera |
| Family: | Emballonuridae |
| Genus: | Saccopteryx |
| Species: | S. gymnura |
| Binomial name | |
| Saccopteryx gymnura | |
 | |
| Amazonian sac-winged bat range | |
Taxonomy and etymology
It was described as a new species in 1901 by British zoologist Oldfield Thomas.[2] Thomas identified "Mr. Wickham" as the collector of the holotype, possibly referring to British explorer Henry Wickham who also collected bird specimens in South America.[4] Wickham collected the holotype in Santarém along the Amazon River.[2] The species name "gymnura" is from Ancient Greek "gumnós" meaning "naked" and "ourá" meaning "tail." Thomas wrote, "the nakedness of the interfemoral [membrane] will readily distinguish this bat from any of its allies."[2]
Biology and ecology
It is insectivorous, catching its prey in the air[1] and inhabits tropical rainforests. It is found in several countries and territories in northern South America, including Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname.[1] It is uncommonly encountered and its range is not clearly defined.
It is currently evaluated as data deficient by the IUCN.[1]
References
- Sampaio, E.; Lim, B.; Peters, S. (2016). "Saccopteryx gymnura". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T19806A22005356. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T19806A22005356.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
- Thomas, O. (1901). "New species of Saccopteryx, Sciurus, Rhipidomys, and Tatu from South America". The Annals and Magazine of Natural History; Zoology, Botany, and Geology. 7. 7 (39): 367–368.
- Simmons, N.B. (2005). "Order Chiroptera". In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 391. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
- Sclater, P. L. & Salvin, O. (1867). "List of birds collected on the Blewfields River, Mosquito Coast, by Mr. Henry Wickham". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. 1867: 278–280.