Tadarida brasiliensis

TAXONOMY

Tadarida brasiliensis (Geoffroy, 1824), Parana, Brazil.

OTHER COMMON NAMES

English: Guano bat, Mexican free-tailed bat.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Forearms ranging in length 1.4–1.8 in (3.6–4.6 cm); weighing 0.3–0.5 oz (10–15 g).

DISTRIBUTION

One of the most widespread bats in the Western Hemisphere, found throughout the southern half of the United States, Mexico, Central America, South America to southern Chile and Argentina, and much of the Lesser and Greater Antilles.

HABITAT

Brazilian free-tailed bats are most abundant in arid and semi-arid habitats, but are common in urban areas, and present in moist forest and scrub habitats.

BEHAVIOR

Maternity colonies have been estimated at up to 30 million bats. They form the largest, densest aggregations of mammals known to exist, and provide spectacular nightly emergences and flights to high altitudes in search of insect prey.

FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET

Their diverse diet includes at least 12 orders and 35 families of insects, many of which are agricultural pests.

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY

Single young born annually in May–July, wean at six weeks of age. Lifespan to 10 years. Mating system thought to be promiscuous.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Listed by the IUCN as Lower Risk/Near Threatened. Listed on Appendix 1 of the Bonn Convention for the Conservation of Migratory Animals due to documented loss and decline of numerous colonies and the vulnerability of such large aggregations.

SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS

Consumes enormous numbers of agricultural pests. Guano provides valuable fertilizer. These bats are implicated in several human rabies infections.

Common name / Scientific name / Other common names	Physical characteristics	Habitat and behavior	Distribution	Diet	Conservation status
Wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bat Chaerephon plicata	Reddish brown to almost black coloration. Pelage is dense and soft, face covered with black bristles, underparts slightly paler. Head and body length 1.8–4.8 in (4.5–12.1 cm), tail length 0.8–2.4 in (2–6 cm), forearm length 1.1–2.6 in (2.7–6.6 cm), weight 0.6–1.1 oz (17–31 g).	Found in caves in groups of 200,000 or more individuals. Range from sea level to 660 ft (200 m) within forested habitat. Roosts in hollow trees, crevices, caves, or roofs. A single offspring is produced at a time.	India and Sri Lanka to south China and Vietnam, southeast to Philippines, Borneo, and Lesser Sunda Islands; Hainan, China; and Cocas Keeling Islands, Indian Ocean.	Mostly small moths and beetles.	Not threatened
Northern mastiff bat Chaerephon jobensis	Medium brown and white upperparts and slightly grayer underparts. Heavily wrinkled upper lip overhangs lower jaw. Head and body length 3.1–3.5 in (8–9 cm), tail length 1.4–1.8 in (3.5–4.5 cm), forearm length 1.8–2 in (4.6–5.2 cm), weight 0.7–1.1 oz (20–30 g).	Found in open forests, savanna, and agricultural areas, sometimes in mountains from sea level to 4,590 ft (1,400 m). Colonies up to 350 individuals.	New Guinea, north and central Australia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, and perhaps Bismarck Archipelago.	Moths, grasshoppers, termites, and other insects that are caught in fast, direct aerial flight.	Not threatened
Lesser naked bat Cheiromeles parvidens	Nearly devoid of hair. Dark brown, thick, elastic skin, great development of conspicuous glandular throat sac, and wing pouches. Head and body length 1.8–4.5 in (4.5–11.5 cm), tail length 2–2.8 in (5–7.1 cm), forearm length 2.8–3.4 in (7–8.6 cm).	Found in agricultural areas from sea level to 660 ft (200 m). Roosts in colonies of about 20,000 individuals in hollow trees, rock crevices, and holes in the earth. Normally two offspring produced per year.	Sulawesi and the Philippines; Mindanao, Misamis Oriental, and South Cotabato, and Negros.	Consists of termites, or other insects caught in open air, such as grasshoppers and moths.	Lower Risk/Near Threatened
Western bonneted bat Eumops perotis English: Western mastiff bat	Mostly consistent coloration of dark gray to brownish gray. Very narrow wings. Largest bat found in United States. Head and body length up to 6.9 in (17.5 cm), forearm length 2.8–3.2 in (7.2–8.2 cm), weight 2.3–2.6 oz (64–74 g)	Found in many habitats from rainforest to arid scrub. Roosts in small groups in tree holes, cliffs, and human dwellings. Forages at great heights. Single offspring born in a year.	California and Texas, United States, to Zacatecas and Hidalgo, Mexico; Colombia to northern Argentina and eastern Brazil; and Cuba.	Species feeds extensively on Hymenoptera. Specializes on butterflies and moths.	Not threatened
Wagner's bonneted bat Eumops glaucinus	Upperparts are cinnamon brown to black, underparts slightly paler brown. Large ears rounded or angular. Head and body length 1.6–5.1 in (4–13 cm), tail length 1.4–3.1 in (3.5–8 cm), forearm length 1.5–3.3 in (3.7–8.3 cm).	Found in moist habitats and multistratal tropical evergreen forest. Group sizes can range from 10–20 to 70. Adult males and females do not segregate.	Jalisco, Mexico, to Peru, northern Argentina, and Brazil; Jamaica; Cuba; and Florida, United States.	Consists of small insects, mainly members of the order Hymenoptera, caught near ground level to tree top height.	Not threatened

Common name / Scientific name / Other common names	Physical characteristics	Habitat and behavior	Distribution	Diet	Conservation status
Greenhalli's dog-faced bat Molossops greenhalli	Upperparts are yellowish brown to black, underparts gray. Broad face, widely separated eyes, no development of wrinkles on lips. Head and body length 1.6–3.7 in (4–9.5 cm), tail length 0.6–1.5 in (1.4–3.7 cm), forearm length 1.1–2 in (2.8–5.1 cm).	Found mostly at low elevations. Roosts in hollow branches of large trees in colonies of 50–75 individuals. Males and females remain together throughout year.	Nayarit, Mexico, to Ecuador and northeastern Brazil; and Trinidad.	Consists mainly of insects, mainly moths.	Not threatened
Pallas's mastiff bat Molossus molossus	Gray brown to dark brown coloration. Many have two color phases: bi-colored or one, consistent color. Head and body length 2–3.7 in (5–9.5 cm), tail length 0.8–2.8 in (2–7 cm), forearm length 1.4–1.6 in (3.6–4.1 cm), weight 0.4–0.5 oz (12–15 g).	Found in both moist and dry areas within a variety of forested and open habitats. Roosts in buildings, hollow trees, logs, and holes in rocks or trees. Generally two offspring produced per year.	Sinaloa and Coahuila, Mexico, to Peru, northern Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Guianas; Greater and Lesser Antilles; Margarita Island, Venezuala; Curacao and Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles; and Trinidad and Tobago.	Feeds on insects, mainly moths, beetles, and flying ants.	Not threatened
Miller's mastiff bat Molossus pretiosus	Dorsal pelage is dark brown, almost black. Largest species of Molossus. Head and body length 1.9–4.5 in (4.8–11.5 cm), tail length 1.5–2.1 in (3.8–5.4 cm), forearm length 1.8–1.9 in (4.6–4.9 cm).	Found in open areas, such as grassland savannas, dry woodlands, and cactus and thorn scrub. Polyestrus. Form small colonies under palm leaves, in hollow trees, and under roofs.	Guerrero, Oaxaca, Mexico; and Nicaragua to Colombia, Venezuela, and Guyana.	Consists of hard items, such as beetles, and other aerial insects, mainly moths.	Not threatened
Spurelli's free-tailed bat Mops spurelli	Upperparts vary from reddish brown to almost black, underparts are paler. Head and body length 2–4.8 in (5.2–12.1 cm), tail length 1.3–2.2 in (3.4–5.6 cm), forearm length 1.1–2.6 in (2.9–6.6 cm), weight 0.2–2.3 oz (7–64 g).	Includes forest, woodland, savanna, and dry brushland.	Liberia; Ivory Coast; Ghana; Togo; Benin; Rio Muni and Bioko, Equatorial Guinea; and Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire).	Hard-bodied insects, such as beetles.	Not threatened
Midas free-tailed bat Mops midas	Upperparts reddish to black, underparts paler. Ears are joined over top of head by band of skin, very wrinkled lips. Head and body length 2–4.8 in (5.2–12.1 cm), tail length 1.3–2.2 in (3.4–5.6 cm), forearm length 1.1–2.6 in (2.9–6.6 cm), weight 0.2–2.3 oz (7–64 g).	Prefers open woodland with scattered, tall trees and open spaces. Emerge after sunset. High, fast flight while foraging. Female may have two offspring in one year.	Senegal to Saudi Arabia, south to Botswana and Transvaal, South Africa; and Madagascar.	Hard-bodied insects, such as beetles.	Not threatened
Natal free-tailed bat Mormopterus acetabulosus	Upperparts are dark brown, grayish brown, or charcoal. Underparts are paler. Head and body length 1.7–2.6 in (4.3–6.5 cm), tail length 1.1–1.6 in (2.7–4 cm), forearm length 1.1–1.6 in (2.9–4.1 cm), weight 0.2–0.7 oz (6–19 g).	Found in tropical forests, woodlands, open areas, and cities, roost mainly in roofs and tree hollows. Roost in colonies of fewer than 10 to several hundred individuals. A single offspring is produced each year.	Reunion and Mauritius, Mascarene Islands; Madagascar, South Africa; and Ethiopia.	Mainly insects above tree canopy, water holes, or creeks. Sometimes prey on the ground.	Vulnerable; threatened by fragmented population and declining habitat
Beccari's mastiff bat Mormopterus beccarii	Upperparts dark red brown or charcoal, underparts are paler. Wings are long, narrow, and tapered. Head and body length 1.7–2.6 in (4.3–6.5 cm), tail length 1.1–1.6 in (2.7–4 cm), forearm length 1.1–1.6 in (2.9–4.1 cm), weight 0.2–0.7 oz (6–19 g).	Found within habitat range from sea level to 980 ft (300 m). Occurs in sclerophyll woodland within openings of tropical forest. Roosts in colonies of up to 50 individuals.	Molucca Islands, New Guinea, adjacent small islands, and northern Australia.	Consists of moths, beetles, dipterans, orthopterans, and homopterans. Forages mostly aerial insects over water.	Not threatened
Bini free-tailed bat Myopterus whitleyi	Upperparts dark brown, underparts light reddish yellow to white. Ears are shorter than head, muzzle projects beyond jaws, end of nose is separate from upper lip. Head and body length 2.2–2.6 in (5.6–6.6 cm), tail length 1–1.3 in (2.5–3.3 cm), forearm length 1–3.3 in (2.5–3.3 cm).	Found only in rainforest zone. Solitary. Flies in forest at night to hunt.	Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire), and Uganda.	Consists of small, soft-bodied prey.	Not threatened

Common name / Scientific name / Other common names	Physical characteristics	Habitat and behavior	Distribution	Diet	Conservation status
Pocketed free-tailed bat Nyctinomops femorosaccus	Upperparts brownish to grayish brown, whitish basal area. Thicker, smaller ears close to crown. Head and body length 3.9–4.3 in (10–11 cm), tail length 1.3–1.7 in (3.4–4.4 cm), weight 0.4–0.6 oz (11.5–18 g).	Colonial, roosts mainly in crevices of cliffs, slopes, and rocky outcrops. Squeaky chatter much of the time in day roosts. Females characteristically give birth to one offspring annually.	Guerrero, Mexico, to New Mexico, Arizona, and California, United States, and Baja California, Mexico.	Consists mostly of large moths (only bodies are eaten), and smaller prey species, including flying ants and leafhoppers (entire insect is eaten).	Not threatened
Wroughton's free-tailed bat Otomops wroughtoni	Upperparts are reddish brown, pale brown, or dark brown with grayish or whitish area on the back of the neck and upper back. Head and body length 2.4–3.9 in (6–10 cm), tail length 1.2–2 in (3–5 cm), and forearm length 1.9–2.8 in (4.9–7 cm).	Roosts in caves, hollow trees, and human-made structures. Usually solitary or associate in male groups. Breeding season occurs near end of autumn.	Southern India.	Insects, as far as known.	Critically Endangered; single habitat location is declining, being degraded
Big-eared mastiff bat Otomops papuensis	Dorsal fur is red brown, paler at base. Pale brown upperparts, light brown underparts.	Endemic to Papua New Guinea, found from sea level to 980 ft (300 m). Usually solitary or associate in small groups.	Southeastern New Guinea, in two localities: Mai-u River and Vailala River.	Aerial insects found above forest canopy.	Vulnerable; very little known distribution
Big crested mastiff bat Promops centralis	Upperparts are drab brown to glossy black, underparts slightly paler. Largest of Promops species. Short, broad skull, short and rounded ears, throat sacs present. Head and body length 2.4–3.5 in (6–9 cm), forearm length over 2 in (5 cm).	Colonies of up to six individuals found roosting under palm leaves. Not as gregarious as other molossid bats.	Jalisco and Yucatán, Mexico, to Peru, northern Argentina, and Suriname; and Trinidad.	Insects, as far as known.	Not threatened
European free-tailed bat Tadarida teniotis	Coloration from reddish brown to almost black, heavy crest of long straight hairs on back of membrane uniting ears. "Bulldog" face, large ears, and very long, narrow wings. Head and body length 1.8–4.8 in (4.5–12.1 cm), tail length 0.8–2.4 in (2–6 cm), forearm length 1.1–2.6 in (2.7–6.6 cm), weight 0.4–0.5 oz (10–15 g).	Found in mountainous forests or in fissures in the sides of cliffs, natural rock formations, or roofs of caves. Can fly high and travel long distances.	France, Portugal and Morocco to Japan, southern China, and Taiwan; Madeira, Portugal, and Canary Islands, Spain.	Small insects, mainly moths.	Not threatened
Egyptian free-tailed bat Tadarida aegyptiaca English: Egyptian tomb bat; German: Faltlippen Fledermäuse; Spanish: Murciélagos guaneros	Coloration varies from reddish brown to almost black. Ears are separated. Head and body length 2.4–3.9 in (6.5–10 cm), tail length 1.2–2.3 in (3–5.9 cm), forearm length 1.8–2.6 in (4.5–6.6 cm), weight 0.5–1.4 oz (14–39 g).	Found in forest or open country, generally roosts in trees and buildings.	South Africa to Nigeria, Algeria, and Egypt to Yemen and Oman, east to India and Sri Lanka.	Small insects, mainly moths.	Not threatened