Little goblin bat
The little goblin bat is a species of bat found in Colombia. Its scientific name is Mormopterus macroura. It is known locally as “pichicuco,” meaning little goblin. This tiny insect-eating bat lives in caves near rivers and streams in tropical forests. They are nocturnal and feed mostly on insects such as beetles, flies, ants, crickets, cockroaches, grasshoppers, moths, butterflies, spiders, and termites.
Description
This species is found throughout much of North America, including Alaska, Canada, Mexico, and the United States. In the western part of its range it is known as the American kestrel, while in the east it is called the common kestrel. This bird is most often seen perched high in trees, perching in groups on telephone wires, power lines, and buildings.
A typical breeding pair consists of a male and female. They build a nest out of twigs, grasses, and leaves and place it in a tree fork or similar location. A clutch of three eggs is laid. Both parents incubate the eggs and feed the young. The female usually lays her eggs in May and June, and the chicks hatch in August and September. The young fledge in October and November.
Distribution
M. minutus is one of three bats found exclusively in Cuba; the others are the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) and the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus). These bats are considered vulnerable because they live in caves and mines where humans often enter without realizing there are dangerous animals inside. In fact, it is believed that the Cuban government has killed thousands of bats over the years due to the belief that they carry rabies.
The M. minutus is known for being small, usually weighing less than 10 grams. They are nocturnal and feed mainly on insects such as moths, beetles, crickets, ants, and termites. Their diet consists mostly of flying insects, although some have been observed eating fruit and nectar.
They are very common throughout most of Cuba, except for the areas around Havana, Pinar del Rio, Matanzas, and Santiago de Cuba. There are many different subspecies of M. minutus, including the following:
albimaculatus – white-spotted bat
cineraceus – black-capped bat
“minutissimus” – smallest bat
“nigricans” – gray-faced bat
Taxonomic history
The species name “mormopterus” refers to the Greek word mormo, meaning “night owl”.
In 1899, German zoologist Christian Ludwig Nägeli published his description of the species under the name Nyctinomus nocturnus. He noted it differed from other Nyctinomus species in having dark spots on the wings. In 1901, he moved it to the newly established genus Mormopterus. In 1903, Franz Steindachner transferred it to Nyctinomus, where it remained until 1959, when it was reassigned to the genus Mormopterus again.
This species’ holotype is a male individual preserved in alcohol. Its original collection location was given as New York City, USA.
What type of animal is a goblin bat?
The little goblin bat (Mormonopterus minutus), sometimes called the “little goblin bat,” is a species of free tailed bats. They live in caves and rocky areas throughout South America. This bat has long, narrow wings, short legs, and a very small body. Their tail extends beyond the length of the wing membrane, making it look like a tiny tail.
What class of animal does a goblin bat belong to?
A little goblin bat (Mormonpterus minutus), belonging to the class of Mammals, fundamentally gives birth to live pups, according to the National Zoo. The goblin bat is part the family of Molossidae and the genus Mormopternus. Other bats in the Molossoidea family include the Mexican free tailed bat and Northern free tailed bat. The Goblin Bat, along with species, form a species group of very tiny bats known as Microchiroptera.
How many goblin bats are there in the world?
There is no real estimate of just how many members of the Goblin Bat Species there are in this world, but it is assumed to be quite less than one million. These tiny creatures live only in Cuba and are victims of the rapid destruction of their habitat, which has already decreased in size to a mere few hundred square miles. If you think about it, it is really sad to know that such a small creature lives in such a large place.
The goblin bat is actually a type of vesper bat. Vesper bats are known for their ability to produce sounds that resemble human speech. In fact, some people believe that the name “goblin bat” originated from the sound of their calls.
What is a goblin bat’s habitat?
The goblin bat (Trinidadia macrotis), also known as the Cuban long-tailed bat, is one of the most common bats in Cuba. Although it is commonly seen flying over forested areas, it is also frequently sighted near human habitations. In fact, it has been reported to live within the vicinity of human dwellings. Its diet consists mainly of moths, beetles, and flies.
Who do goblin bats live with?
The little goblin bat (Mormonopterus minutus) lives with a group or in a colony. These bats are nocturnal and spend most of their time underground. They eat insects and fruit, and they sleep during the day. Goblin bats fly around at night to find food. Their wings beat about 60 times per second and produce a loud buzzing sound.
Goblin bats live in caves, mines, old buildings, and along rivers. Some species live near human settlements, where they feed on moths and other flying insects.
What do bats like?
Bats eat insects. Hence, are called insectivores. Goblin bats like to eat beetles, Frogs, mosquitoes, and more.