Aratathomas's yellow-shouldered bat

{{Short description|Species of bat}}

{{speciesbox

| image =

| status = LC

| status_system = IUCN3.1

| status_ref = {{cite iucn |author=Pacheco, V. |date=2016 |title=Sturnira aratathomasi |volume=2016 |page=e.T20949A22052176 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T20949A22052176.en |access-date=14 November 2021}}

| genus = Sturnira

| species = aratathomasi

| authority = Peterson & Tamsitt, 1968

| range_map = Distribution of Sturnira aratathomasi.png

| synonyms =

}}

Aratathomas's yellow-shouldered bat (Sturnira aratathomasi) is a species of bat in the family Phyllostomidae native to South America.

Taxonomy and etymology

It was described as a new species in 1968. The first documentation of the species, however, had occurred almost 100 years prior in 1874. The authors received the specimens from Andrew Arata and Maurice Thomas—the species name "aratathomasi" is a portmanteau of their respective last names.{{cite journal| last1=Peterson| first1= R. L.| last2= Tamsitt|first2= J. R.| year=1968| title= A New Series of Bat of the Genus Sturnira:(Family Phyllostomatidae) from Northwestern South America| publisher=Royal Ontario Museum| issue=12| pages=1–7| url=https://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/39966441}}

Description

In 1987, this species was called one of the largest frugivorous New World bat species, as well as the largest member of its genus (Sturnira has been expanded since then, though). Individuals weigh {{convert|46.8-53|g|oz|abbr=on}}. Its fur is dark gray in color. Its dental formula is {{DentalFormula|upper=2.1.2.3| lower=2.1.2.3}} for a total of 32 teeth.{{cite journal| doi=10.2307/3504032| jstor=3504032| title=Sturnira aratathomasi| journal=Mammalian Species| issue=284| pages=1–4| year=1987| last1=Soriano| first1=Pascual J| last2=Molinari| first2=Jesus| url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259756247}}

Biology and ecology

Its diet likely consists of fruit, pollen, and nectar.

Range and habitat

It is found in association with the Andes in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. It is found at generally high altitudes from {{convert|1650-3165|m|ft|abbr=on}} above sea level.

Conservation

As of 2016, it is evaluated as a least-concern species by the IUCN. It is threatened by agricultural conversion to grow opium poppies.

References