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
Sturnira hondurensis
Honduran Yellow-shouldered Bat
Goodwin, 1940
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized frugivorous bat characterized by its yellow shoulder glands in males, lack of a tail, and robust skull structure adapted for chewing tough fruits.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
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).Phyllostomidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Sturnira
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Goodwin, 1940
Record Completeness
96%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.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Frugivore
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 cloud forests and humid tropical forests in Central America, specifically adapted to highland environments.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Strictly frugivorous; nocturnal behavior, often flying long distances to locate fruiting trees.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Usually roosts singly or in very small groups.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Frugivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Frugivore; feeds primarily on Solanum fruits and various other forest berries.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Polyestrous, with births occurring throughout the year in response to local food availability.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
6.0 - 7.5 cm
Weight (Grams)
20 g - 30 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.
8 - 12 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
120 - 150
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 7 Years
Females3 - 7 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are slightly larger and feature prominent, yellow-colored shoulder glands.
Females Multi-lang
Females are slightly smaller and lack the yellow-colored shoulder glandular patches.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Specialized molars for processing fruit pulp and extracting juices; critical role in seed dispersal within forest ecosystems.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Deforestation, loss of connectivity between forest fragments, and climate-induced changes to cloud forest health.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The males possess distinct glandular patches on their shoulders that secrete a yellow-colored substance, likely used for attracting females.