AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Promops centralis
Big Crested Mastiff Bat
Thomas, 1915
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized molossid bat with a robust, broad head and a distinctive 'crest' of fur on the forehead. It has narrow, pointed wings adapted for fast flight.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Big crested mastiff batMurciélago mastín crestadoCentral American mastiff bat
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Chiroptera
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Molossidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Promops
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Thomas, 1915
Record Completeness
94%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Spring
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Insectivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits tropical forests, scrublands, and savannas, often found roosting in human-made structures or hollow trees.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Nocturnal. Typically flies at high altitudes to forage, returning to its roost before dawn.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Roosts in small to medium-sized colonies.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
High-flying aerial insectivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Insectivore: feeds on a variety of aerial insects, particularly beetles and moths.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Limited information, generally follows seasonal reproductive cycles.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
6.0 - 8.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
15 g - 25 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 1
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
12 - 18 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
90 - 120
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 5 Years
Females3 - 5 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are slightly larger and often have a more developed crest.
Females Multi-lang
Females are smaller and have a less prominent crest.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Specialized wing morphology allows for high-speed flight in open areas, enabling it to catch fast-flying insects.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat loss due to urbanization and conversion of natural landscapes to agricultural use.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The name 'mastiff' refers to their bulldog-like facial features, which are characteristic of the entire family Molossidae.