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Velvety Free-Tailed Bat
Molossus molossus | Pallas, 1766

PHOTO: Property of Native / Embrapa

Characteristics: Species measuring about 28cm in wingspan. It has short, rounded ears, a short tragus, a blunt, wide snout, and protruding, foldless lips.

Distribution: From Central America to central Argentina, East of the Andes.

Habitat: This species seeks shelter in rocky places, and often moves into house roofs or spaces between roof tiles.

Habits: A nocturnal species, organized in numerous colonies, often sharing shelter with another bat species, the M. Rufus. It flies high and can be seen at twilight, hunting in open areas. It does not rest hanging, rather in bodily contact with the substrate, which is why lay people often confuse it with a mouse.

Diet: Carnivorous, specifically insectivorous, feeding exclusively on airborne insects.

Breeding: After the gestation period (4-5 months), the female gives birth to a single pup.

In the UFRA area: This mammal species was limited to two different habitats: Restored Native Forests and native forests.