Lesser bulldog bat

The lesser bulldog bat is a sexually dimoprhic species; males are typically bright red and females are typically dull brown.[2] Furthermore, coloration varies between individuals among the same sex, and between different populations.[3] They have a length of about three inches (7.5 cm), a forearm length of 2+1⁄2 inches (6.4 cm), and weight of about one ounce (30 grams).[3] The bats plump lips and chin that has well-developed cross ridges give rise to the bats "bulldog" like appearance.[3] The lesser bulldog bat has large feet that are claw-like and can be used capture prey.[3]

The bats prefer terrestrial habitats and they live near water or damp locations, residing in hollow trees or domestic dwellings.[1] The locations that they can be found in includes, Argentina; Belize; Bolivia, Plurinational States of; Brazil; Costa Rica; Ecuador; El Salvador; French Guiana; Guatemala; Guyana; Honduras; Mexico; Nicaragua; Panama; Paraguay; Peru[1]

The species prefers to feed predominantly on insects, catching them while flying over water. Studies on Costa Rican population say that the bats also consume tree pollen.[4]

Noctilio albvirentis is known for utilizing its echolocation to locate prey such as insects. The unique feature of their echolocation is how they use it to locate their prey.[5] As they skim across the water they will bombard the water with their vocalization and when they detect a disturbance of the vocalization they move to the disturbance.[5] Additionally, since the lesser bulldog bat prefers to forage in small groups they also use echolocation to communicate during foraging.[5]

They live about ten years and reach sexual maturity in one year.[2] Ovulation occurs in the ovary the gestation period lasts about 4 to 5 weeks.[2] Baby bats are capable of very limited vocalization, and they cannot begin flight until 5 to 6 weeks after birth.[5] Mother bats will feed their young until the babies are three months old.[5]

Predation on bats is uncommon however large birds are known to prey upon bats.[6] One distinct bird preys on the lesser bulldog bat is The Great Rufous Woodcreeper. The woodcreeper will invade the bats roost and take the bat from its habitat.[6] Upon capture the Woodcreeper pecks the bat with its sharp beak until the bat dies.[6] Other predators of the bat include hawks, falcons, owls, and motmots.

• 
  Noctilio albiventris diagram from Alcide Dessalines d'Orbigny
• 
  Noctilio albiventris with parasites, showing its teeth, caught at the Tiputini Biodiversity Station

• Bulldog bat
• Microchiroptera

• Lesser Bulldog Bat site
• Digimorph Lesser Bulldog Bat