| Anoura aequatoris | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Chiroptera |
| Family: | Phyllostomidae |
| Genus: | Anoura |
| Species: | A. aequatoris |
| Binomial name | |
| Anoura aequatoris (Lönnberg, 1921) | |
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| Synonyms | |
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Anoura aequatoris (also known as theequatorial tailless bat)[2] is a species ofmicrobat that lives inSouth America in the countries ofBolivia,Colombia,Ecuador, andPeru.
When first described in 1921,Einar Lönnberg classifiedAnoura aequatoris as asubspecies ofAnoura caudifer. In 2006, Mantilla-Meluk and Baker argued that there were enough differences between the two to elevateAnoura aequatoris to the level of distinct species.[1][2][3] This conclusion, however, has been challenged. Some believe that it is not distinct enough to warrant separation fromA. caudifera, and that further analysis is needed.[4] A 2008 study challenged that elevating it to a species overstated the amount of diversity within the genus, and that it should remain a subspecies.[5]
A. aequatoris can be differentiated fromA. caudifer on the basis of its morphology, including its densely furreduropatagium that has a fringe of long hairs along its edge. Additionally,A. aequatoris is smaller, with a skull length of approximately 22.5 mm (0.89 in) and forearm lengths of 34.3–35.9 mm (1.35–1.41 in).[3]
A. aequatoris is found in South America, where it has been documented in the following countries: Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. It is found at high elevations from 600–1,500 m (2,000–4,900 ft) above sea level. It is associated with montane forests.[1]
