Bats of the United States and Canada

Peter’s Ghost-faced Bat, Mormoops megalophylla

102 bats of the united states and canada PETER’S GHOST-FACED BAT Mormoops megalophylla Weight is 13–19 grams (0.5–0.6 ounce); wingspan is 36–38 centimeters (14–15 inches). Distribution is southeastern Arizona and across southern Texas, throughout most of Mexico (except northwestern region), then southward into Central America. Peter’s ghost-faced bats usually occur in lowland areas, especially desert scrub and riverine habitats, where they often roost in caves, tunnels, and mine shafts. They may also inhabit old buildings. Although they may congregate in large numbers at a roosting site, this species tends not to form compact clusters. Instead, members of the colony roost singly, spread about 15 centimeters (6 inches) apart over the ceiling of a cave. When asleep, individuals rest with the back arched and the head tucked almost to the chest. Peter’s ghost-faced bat emerges late in the evening and its flight is strong and swift. In Mexico, this species may be so abundant that it produces large deposits of guano (feces). This material, rich in nitrogen from the exoskeletons of the insects upon which the bats feed, is used by the local people as fertilizer. Foods include large moths and other insects. One baby is born in late May or early June. It is a common winter resident in caves along the southern edge of the Edwards Plateau , Texas, but its occurrence at specific localities is highly variable and unpredictable. recto runninghead 103 ...