Bats of the United States and Canada

Cuban Fig-eating Bat, Phyllops falcatus

recto runninghead 191 CUBAN FIG-EATING BAT Phyllops falcatus Accidental–United States Weight is 16–23 grams (0.6–0.8 ounce); wingspan is 32–37 centimeters (13–15 inches). This species is known from the United States based on one record at Key West, Florida. The Cuban fig-eating bat is an uncommon species that occurs only in the Caribbean area, especially on the islands of Cuba and Hispaniola, where it occupies lowlands in a variety of forested habitats including evergreen, submontane , pine, and semideciduous forest. It also has been found in urban parks in Havana, Cuba, and Key West, Florida. Evidence derived from fossils indicates the species was once more limited in distribution and that it spread from Hispaniola to Cuba relatively recently. Distinct patches of white hair on each shoulder that extend to just behind the ears and a translucent membrane on the edge of the wing are distinguishing characteristics. The Cuban fig-eating bat roosts in hollow trees or in shadows of foliage of trees in clusters of up to five individuals. It has been known to occupy bat houses. It consumes fruits, figs, vegetative matter, and insects, but little else is known about its diet. When approaching bushes, trees, or fruits, its echolocation calls become shorter and faster that in open flight. Throughout Cuba, barn owls prey intensively on this species. Preliminary studies of its behavior indicate that Cuban fig-eating bats may form harems, as do the closely related Jamaican fruit-eating bats. This page intentionally left blank ...