Bats of the United States and Canada

Jamaican Fruit-eating Bat, Artibeus jamaicensis

100 bats of the united states and canada JAMAICAN FRUIT-EATING BAT Artibeus jamaicensis Weight is 42–44 grams (1.5 ounces); wingspan is 44–46 centimeters (17–18 inches). This fruit-eating bat is widely distributed from northern Sinaloa, Mexico, and from the Florida Keys southward through the Caribbean and northern South America. The Jamaican fruit-eating bat forages in small groups. Captured individuals may produce distress calls, which induce mobbing behavior by other members of the group. These bats are less active on bright moonlit nights than on dark nights. Roosts may be in buildings, caves, or hollow trees; sometimes they build tents by biting the midribs causing folding of large leaves. Possible predators include owls and falcons. The species eats mostly fruits of fig trees, but also mangos, avocados, and bananas. It also feeds on pollen, nectar, flower parts, and sometimes insects. Food passes through the digestive tract in 15–20 minutes. The reproductive period of the Jamaican fruit-eating bat is closely tied to the maximum abundance of figs. The species is polygynous; males may accumulate harems of up to 25 females. Besides harems, Jamaican fruit-eating bats also form groups of bachelor males and groups of nonreproductive females. Usually, one baby is born to each female in March or April, but twins also may be born. Lifespan is 7–10 years. Rare in the United States, this species is known only from the Florida Keys. Elsewhere in its range, the Jamaican fruit-eating bat is one of the most common bats. recto runninghead 101 ...