Mastiff bats
Order : Chiroptera
Family : Molossidae
Genus : Otomops
Facts about the genus Otomops, the mastiff bats
Apparently, due in large part to the loss of large natural springs, western mastiff bats are no longer found in many previously occupied areas and may be endangered, though past and present observations are too few to determine their status.
In other parts of their range, Pallas’ mastiff bats are known to roost in hollow trees, palm fronds, rock crevices, caves, bridges, buildings and bat houses.
Mastiff bats are too heavy to launch themselves into flight from the ground as other bats can, and must drop from a high perch.
Occasionally it descends to the ground where, with its delicate tail-membrane retracted close to the body to avoid injury, it is surprisingly agile in its search for terrestrial insects (for which reason mastiff-bats are sometimes called 'scurrying bats').
She escaped about 12 miles north of where she first was found, and since mastiff bats are strong and fast fliers, it can only be assumed that she made a successful getaway and was able to return to wherever she came from.
The presence of spotted bats, Brazilian free-tailed bats, and western mastiff-bats is correlated with meadows, whereas many, if not most, Sierran bats forage over water, especially in riparian corridors.
Pallas' mastiff bats are found only in the Keys and live in tree hollows, crevices and palm fronds. (Full text)
Similar Species Underwood's Mastiff and Western Mastiff bats are larger. (Full text)
Mastiff Bats are in the South from southern California to the Florida Keys. (Full text)
Mastiff bats are one of the few bats with search phase calls low enough that people with good hearing can detect them. (Full text)
