Micropteropus pusillus
SUBFAMILY
Pteropodinae
TAXONOMY
Epomorphorus pusillus (Peters, 1867), Yoruba, Nigeria.
OTHER COMMON NAMES
English: Peters's dwarf epauletted fruit bat.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Head and body length, 2.6–3.7 in (6.7–9.5 cm); forearm length, 1.8–2.2 (4.6–5.6 cm); tail length variable, lacking in some individuals to 0.2 in (0.4 cm) in others; weight 0.8–1.2 oz (24–35g). Males larger than females. Pelage light brown with a lighter ventrum. Males have white tufts at the base of the pinna and white shoulder epaulettes. The shoulder epaulets are hidden in a pouch until skin muscles evert the tufts for display. Similar in morphology to Epomorphorus, but smaller in body size and a shorter muzzle.
DISTRIBUTION
Western, southwestern, and central Africa.
HABITAT
Savanna woodlands and forest edge.
BEHAVIOR
Usually solitary or with one other conspecific. Sometimes found in groups up to 10. Males display with erect epaulets and croaking calls. Nomadic and does not return to regular sleeping or feeding trees. Cryptic species that is not easily disturbed or observed.
FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET
Consumes small fruits, nectar, and pollen. They obtain nourishment by placing their lips around fruit and sucking.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
Polygamous. Two breeding seasons. Single young is the norm. Mating behavior is unknown, but it is presumed that males make displays.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Not threatened.
SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS
None known.
