Natalidae

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Funnel-eared bats
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Natalidae
Genus: Natalus
Gray, 1838
Species

See Text

The family Natalidae, or funnel-eared bats are found from Mexico to Brazil and the Caribbean islands. The family comprises only one a single genus, Natalus. They are slender bats with unusually long tails and, as their name suggests, funnel-shaped ears. They are small, at only 3.5 to 5.5 cm in length, with brown, grey, or reddish fur. Like many other bats, they are insectivorous, and roost in caves.

Four species belong to this genus:

  • Gervais's funnel-eared bat (N. lepidus)
  • Cuban funnel-eared bat (N. micropus)
  • Mexican funnel-eared bat (N. stramineus)
  • Bahaman funnel-eared bat (N. turmidifrons)

[edit] References