AnimaliaIUCN LCApproved Recent Sighting
Molossus molossus
Pallas's Mastiff Bat
Pallas, 1766
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Small to medium-sized bat with short, velvety fur. It has thick ears, joined at the base, and a long tail that protrudes from the uropatagium.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Other Names (Global)
Murciélago mastín comúnMoloso de Pallas
Taxonomy
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
OrderChiroptera
FamilyMolossidae
GenusMolossus
Taxonomic AuthorityPallas, 1766
Ecology & Status
Origin
Native
Population Trend
Stable
Breeding Season
--
Trophic Role
Insectivore
Recent Sightings
Yes
Habitat Summary Multi-lang
Highly adaptable; found in forests, agricultural lands, urban and suburban areas from Mexico to Argentina.Behaviour Multi-lang
Aerial insectivore: consumes mainly beetles, moths, and other flying insects.Social Activity Multi-lang
Highly gregarious, forms large colonies in roofs, caves, or building crevices.Feeding Guild Multi-lang
Forages at high altitude after sunset.Trophic Chain Details Multi-lang
Pest controller in rural and urban areas.Reproductive Behaviour Multi-lang
Polygynous mating system, with strong social bonds in the colony.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
6.0 - 8.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
10 g - 15 g
Offspring per cycle1 - 1
Sexual DimorphismYes
Lifespan
Sexual Maturity
1 Years
Gestation / Incubation
80 - 95
Lifespan Estimated
Males6 - 10 Years
Females6 - 10 Years
Sexual Dimorphism
Males Multi-lang
Males are usually larger and darker than females.
Females Multi-lang
Females have a lighter and more uniform coloration.
Evolutionary Adaptations Multi-lang
Long, narrow wings that allow it to fly at high speed in open spaces to capture insects in mid-flight.
Main Threats Multi-lang
Its habit of roosting in house roofs causes it to be frequently evicted by residents as a pest control measure.
Interesting Facts Multi-lang
It is known for being one of the fastest bats in level flight and its echolocation calls are highly audible to the human ear.