Wagner's bonneted bat, or Wagner's mastiff bat (Eumops glaucinus), is a species of bat in the family Molossidae. It is found in the Americas from Argentina and Peru north to Mexico, and Cuba. Populations in Florida in the United States are now recognized as the Florida bonneted bat (E. floridanus).
Description
Example of a gular-thoracic gland in a black bonneted bat
Eumops glaucinus is a medium-sized mastiff bat, but its size varies across its range. It is roughly 24–25 centimeters (9.4–9.8 in) long and between 30 and 47 grams (1.1 and 1.7 oz) in weight, with pregnant females sometimes heavier. The male is generally larger than the female. The species has a short, shiny pelage of bicolored hairs that are lighter at the bases, and the overall coat color can be black, brown, grayish, or cinnamon. The underparts are duller and paler.
The bat has a long snout. It lacks a leaf-shaped nose appendage and protruding upper lip, but it has a keel above the eye. The ears are about 2 centimeters (0.8 in) in length and are wider than long. They are joined to form the "bonnet" shape. The wingspan is about 41–47 centimeters (16–19 in). The wings are narrow, as in other mastiff bats. The wings are adapted to long but rapid flights, especially in open areas.
This bat has a musky odor. The male has a gular-thoracic gland of unknown function; it may be used to mark females or territory.
Systematics
The Florida bonneted bat (E. floridanus) was treated as a subspecies and later elevated to species status. Though E. glaucinus is variable, it was treated as one species, but suspected to be a species complex. The complex was then defined as a group of four species: E. glaucinus, E. floridanus, E. ferox, and an unnamed species from Ecuador.
Ecology
This bat is common in subtropical and tropical forest habitat, but it has often been recorded living in urban areas, including large cities. It appears to be attracted to the heat of metal roofs....
