Belize Budget Suites
  • HOME
  • BOOK NOW
  • RATES
  • ACCOMMODATIONS
  • ABOUT US
    • Reviews & Testimonials
    • The Property
    • The Neighborhood
    • Blog - Belize Adventure
    • Blog - 2 Boys in Belize
    • FAQ
  • ABOUT BELIZE
    • Where is Belize?
    • Traveling to Belize >
      • International Flights & Airlines
      • Belize Visas & Immigration
      • Arriving in Belize
      • Belize Land Borders
      • Getting to the Island
      • Departing Belize
      • What to Bring
      • How To Save Money
    • Best Time to Visit
    • Know Before You Go
    • Is Belize Safe?
    • Belize by the Month
    • Belize Festivals >
      • Food Festivals
      • Chocolate Festival
      • Lobster Festival
      • Mango Festival
      • Taco Festival
    • Belize Maps
    • Belize History
    • Ambergris Caye
    • San Pedro
  • ADVENTURES
    • Where to Eat
    • Things to Do
    • Diving >
      • Diving in Belize
      • Diving Vacations
      • Diving Blue Hole
      • Diving Turneffe Atoll
      • Diving Barrier Reef
      • Diving Basil Jones
      • Night Diving
    • Snorkeling >
      • Snorkel in Belize
      • Snorkeling Vacations
      • Hol Chan Marine
      • Shark Ray Alley
      • Mexico Rocks & Tres Cocos
      • Coral Gardens
      • Blue Hole Snorkeling
      • Bachalar Chico Marine
    • Fishing >
      • Fishing in Belize
      • Fishing Vacations
      • Deep Sea Fishing
      • Reef Fishing
      • Flat Fishing
      • Night Fishing
      • Robles Fishing, Snorkel & Beach BBQ
      • Fishing Charters
    • Sailing >
      • Sailing in Belize
      • Sailing Vacations
      • Day Sail to Caye Caulker
      • Manatee Watch Snorkel Goff Caye
      • Sail Around the Island
      • Sunset Sail
      • Sunset Houseboat
      • Sunset Dinner Cruise
      • Sunset Houseboat-Tapas
      • Island Hopping
      • Private Catamaran Charters
    • Jungle >
      • Jungles in Belize
      • Jungle Vacations
      • Bird Watching
      • Birds of Belize
      • Belize Annual Bird Festival
      • Zip Lining
      • Jungle Trek
      • Antelope Falls Rappelling
      • ATV Jungle Bikes
      • Horseback Riding
      • Belize Zoo
      • Baboon Santuary
    • Caves >
      • Caving in Belize
      • Caving Vacations
      • ATM Cave
      • Black Hole Cave Rappelling
      • Cave Tubing
      • Cave Canoeing
      • Cave Waterfall Rappellilng
      • Cave Kayaking
      • Lost World Expedition
      • River Cave Expedition
      • 7 Miles of Caves
    • Mayan Temples >
      • Temples in Belize
      • Mayan Vacations
      • Altun Ha Ruins
      • Cahal Pech Ruins
      • Caracol Ruins
      • Cerros Maya Ruins
      • Lamanai Mayan Ruins
      • Lubaantun Site
      • Nim Li Punit Ruins
      • Santa Rita Mayan Ruins
      • Tikal (Guatamala)
      • Xunantunich
    • Gallery >
      • Jungle Zip Lining
      • ATM Cave
      • Lamanai Mayan Ruins
      • Belize Zoo
      • Hol Chan-Shark Ray
      • Cave Tubing
      • Xunantunich
  • CONTACT US
BOOK WITH US

Bats in Belize

2/21/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
In Belize, some 75 species of bats account for about 58% of the mammal population, thriving on the many types of fruits, flowers, insects and other food sources to be found throughout the country. And, fitting right in with Belize’s biodiversity and multicultural human population, the variety of bat species is impressive, with Argentine Brown Bats, Southern Yellow Bats, Northern Yellow Bats, Little Yellow-shouldered Bats, and Red Bats as well as Great, Pygmy and Toltec Fruit Eating bats, Hairy Big Eyed Bats, Lesser and Greater Doglike Bats, and fifty shades of Naked Back and Big Naked Back Bats, to name just a very few.
These airborne environmentalists work the night shift to keep our rainforests healthy.  They are the most populous mammals on the planet and one of nature’s greatest success stories, and depending on your perspective are either cute vegetarian flying foxes or scary Bela Lugosi vampires.  There are more than 1100 different kinds of bats sharing the planet with us.
All those different types of bats share one thing in common; their forelimbs have evolved into wings, making them the only mammals in the world naturally capable of flight (sure, Australia has sugar gliders and there are lemurs, flying squirrels and other tree dwellers that have learned to glide, but bats are the only mammals specifically built to fly).
Picture
Picture
Many different plants depend on bats for pollination. In fact, in Belize there are flowers specially evolved to accept the long snout of certain bats, which are their only source of pollination. Also, bats are essential in spreading many types of fruits, nuts and other vegetation through their nutrient-rich droppings. Consider that, and bat’s’ importance in pest control, and you get an idea how valuable they are. One cave system in Mexico supports a population of some 20 -25 million bats who each day consume megatons, of insects, according to Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE) biologist Dan Dourson.
Now, imagine what would happen if bats weren’t around to pollinate flowers and reduce insects and you get an idea to how important they are to the elegant, intricate and fragile balance of nature.
Picture
Some Interesting Bat Facts (with thanks to Wildlife Belize.com)
  • Bats are the only mammals that can fly.
  • Bats generally have one baby per year.
  • Bats live for 15-25 years.
  • The smallest bats in Belize are merely 1.5 inches long and weigh 2-3 grams (0.1 oz).
  • The largest bat in Belize is 6 inches with a 24-inch wingspan and weighs 240 grams (8oz).
  • Many species of bats share the same roosting areas: caves, cracks in rocks, hollow trees, under bark, under leaves (palms), rolled leaves (banana, heliconia), self-constructed tents, and man-made structures (under roofs).
Picture
BAT CAVE - Tour description - This is a 4 hour tour in the cave, located just 10 minutes from the famous Xunantunich Mayan ruins. This cave is home to dozens of bat species.  One of these species is the ghost-faced bat, which can be found in this cave.

EMBALLONURID BATS
Picture
Sac-Winged Bat Emballonuridae - Sac-winged Bats are small, insect-feeding bats with mostly brown or gray fur and relatively large eyes. Many Sac-winged Bats roost at almost vertical substrates with the folded forearms supporting the body.
Sac-winged Bats can be found in humid rain forests, seasonal semi-deciduous forests, and savannas. Most species roost in well-lit places like entries to caves and temples, at the outside of buildings, or in hollow trees and buttress cavities of large trees.
Colonies of some the Sac-winged Bat species are easily found because these bats emit social calls audible to humans.
Emballonurid bats are aerial insectivorous bats that can be easily observed hunting for insects in a slow butterfly-like flight. Larger Sac-winged Bats, like the genus Taphozous, have a more pronounced, powerful flight. Emballonurids are among the first bats to start foraging in the evening. During periods of bad weather, some species may even start foraging in the afternoon. Occasionally, some species also glean insects from leaves.
Emballonurid bats in Belize:
  • Balantiopteryx io
  • Centronycteris centralis
  • Diclidurus albus
  • Peropteryx kappleri
  • Peropteryx macrotis
  • Rhynchonycteris naso
  • Saccopteryx bilineata
  • Saccopteryx leptura
Picture
Picture

NOCTILIONIDAE BULLDOG BATS
Picture
Bulldog Bats Noctilionidae - Bull-dog or mastiff bats are medium-sized bats, often brightly colored. The region around the mouth is distinctive. The lips are full and form cheek pouches, in which the bats store food as they feed while flying. The tail of bulldog bats runs through the uropatagium for about half the length of the membrane, then exits dorsally, and the terminal part of the tail is free. The feet and claws range from relatively large (Noctilio albiventris) to relatively enormous (Noctilio leporinus) in size, and the legs are proportionately longer than in most other bats. The ears are moderately large and a tragus is present. Bulldog bats have a pungent odor, described by some as "fishy.
Most Bulldog Bats feed only on insects. The only Bulldog Bat found in Belize, Noctilio leporinus, takes fish, frogs, and crustaceans as well. To capture fish, these bats use their echolocation to locate exposed fins or ripples made by fish swimming near the surface. They then drag their claws through these ripples. Their hind claws are unusually large and sharp and serve as efficient gaffs. Once out of the water, the fish is carried to a perch, where it is eaten by the bat. Noctilio leporinus may also capture insects and crustaceans on the surface of the water.
These bats usually roost near water, often in hollow trees or in deep cracks in rocks.

MOLOSSIDAE FREE-TAILED BATS
Picture
Free-tailed Bats Molossidae Molossids are known as free-tailed bats, because their bony tail extends to the end of a well-developed tail membrane (uropatagium) and considerably beyond. They often crawl backwards when on the ground, using their tail as a sort of "feeler." Molossids are small to moderately large bats. Their muzzles are usually short and broad, and they often have wide, fleshy lips that may have folds or creases. Many have a distinctive pad over their noses; this pad is often endowed with odd bristles with spatulate tips. Most free-tailed bats have relatively short but broad ears.
The tragus is tiny, but opposite it, an antitragus is unusually well developed. All species have long, narrow wings, apparently adapted for fast but relatively unmaneuverable flight in open places. Their wing and tail membranes are unusually tough and leathery. Molossids also have short, strong legs and broad feet. Like their nose pads, molossids' feet are well endowed with sensory bristles (also with spatulate tips). They are excellent climbers, perhaps because they launch themselves for flight from a considerable height above the ground. Because of their long, narrow wings, they must attain considerable speed before they can develop enough lift to fly. They accomplish this by falling some distance from their roost or take-off point.
Molossids Bats that live in Belize:
  • Eumops bonariensis
  • Eumops underwoodi
  • Molossus molossus
  • Molossus rufus
  • Molossus alvarezi
  • Nyctinomops laticaudatus
  • Eumops auripendulus
  • Eumops glaucinus
  • Promops centralis
  • Eumops hansae
Picture
Picture
Molossids generally have short, even velvety fur. Most are black or brown, and many species have distinctive reddish and brownish or blackish color phases. Their roosting habits range from solitary to living in immense colonies of millions of bats, usually in caves. In the neighborhood of these large colonies, molossids consume enormous numbers of insects.

MORMOOPIDAE LEAF-CHINNED BATS
Picture
Leaf-Chinned Bat Mormoopidae The Leaf-chinned Bat is a small to medium-sized bat. Their lips are large, and their lower lips are complexly folded and ornately decorated with plates and flaps of skin. The mouth is distinctively shaped like a funnel when open.
Their eyes are small compared to the eyes of bats of similar body size. The ears vary in size and shape but always have a tragus (which always has a secondary fold). In some species, the wings attach to the body high along the midline of the back, so that the surface of the back appears naked.  Beneath the wings, however, is a normal coating of fur. The fur of most species is brown or reddish brown, but within species some individuals vary considerably in color.
Mormoopidae Bats in Belize:
  • Mormoops megalophylla
  • Pteronotus davyi
  • Pteronotus parnellii
  • Pteronotus personatus
  • Pteronotus gymnonotus
Picture
Leaf-chinned Bats are strictly insectivorous and generally live near water. They roost sociably, sometimes in very large colonies, and some species are thought to roost exclusively in caves. They can be found in a wide range of habitat types, from rainforest to arid deserts.

NATALIDAE FUNNEL-EARED BATS
Picture
Funnel-eared Bat Natalidae - Natalus mexicanus, the Mexican funnel-eared bat, is the only member of Natalidae that is found in Belize. They are aerial insectivores that appear to be specialists in feeding on spiders. All of these bats have funnel-shaped ears and long, slender hind legs.

PHYLLOSTONIDEA LEAVE-NOSED BATS
Picture
Leaf-Nosed Bats Phyllostonidea New World leaf-nosed bats are a common and diverse group that includes around 143 species, placed in 49 genera. The relationships of these genera are not fully understood.
The most conspicuous characteristic of phyllostomids is a "noseleaf", a fleshy protuberance from the nose that ranges from in size from nearly as long as the head to, in a few species, complete absence.
Many species also have bumps, warts, and other protuberances on the head near the noseleaf or on the chin. In most species, the noseleaf is a relatively simple spear-shaped structure.
Picture
Phyllostonidea Bats in Belize:
  • Chrotopterus auritus
  • Desmodus rotundus
  • Diphylla ecaudata
  • Lonchorhina aurita
  • Lophostoma brasiliense
  • Lophostoma evotis
  • Lampronycteris brachyotis
  • Lichonycteris obscura
  • Micronycteris microtis
  • Micronycteris schmidtorum
  • Mimon cozumelae
  • Mimon crenulatum
  • Phyllostomus discolor
  • Phyllostomus hastatus
  • Phylloderma stenops
  • Tonatia saurophila
  • Trachops cirrhosus
  • Trinycteris nicefori
  • Vampyrum spectrum

VESPERTILIONIDAE BATS
Picture
Plain-nosed Bats is the largest family of bats: it includes 35 genera and 318 species! With this many species there are exceptions to almost every generalization about this family. Vespertilionids, or evening bats, have small eyes, ears with both a tragus (fleshy ear outgrowth) and an anterior basal lobe (except Tomopeas). Their tails are relatively long and extend to the edge of the tail membrane or beyond.
This large family includes a wide range of sizes. Some vesper bats weigh only 4 grams as adults, whereas others weigh up to 50 grams. Most of these bats are black or brown colored, but some are orangish or have other markings.

Vespertilionidae bats in Belize.
  • Bauerus dubiaquercus
  • Eptesicus furinalis
  • Lasiurus blossevillii
  • Lasiurus ega
  • Lasiurus intermedius
  • Myotis elegans
  • Rhogeessa aeneus
  • Myotis keaysi
  • Eptesicus fuscus
Many vespertilionids live in caves, but these bats can also be found in mine shafts, tunnels, tree roosts, rock crevices, buildings, etc. Some species contaminate human habitations with feces and noise, but this annoyance is more than offset by the bats' consumption of huge quantities of insects. Some species roost in large colonies, but others are solitary or live in small groups or pairs. Males and females tend to roost apart most of the year, and some species have maternity colonies.

0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Picture
    Belize Budget Suites
    Is located on the island of Ambergris Caye, directly across from the Belize Barrier Reef, off the mainland coast of Belize.  The property is nestled in a cluster of Australian Pine trees, backed to a littoral jungle, and surrounded by tropical gardens.  It's about a one minute walk from the property to the beach, and a 10-15 minute drive from the island airstrip to the property. 

    We offer one bedroom suites (455 s.f.) of living area to include:  livingroom, kitchenette, private bathroom and bedroom.

    We are also about a one minute walk from one of the best restaurants on the island serving (breakfast, lunch & dinner).  Within walking distance you can find:
    (3) blocks is Robyn's BBQ
    (4) blocks is 2 fruit stands
    (5) blocks local grocery store

    IF  YOU'RE COMING TO BELIZE TO...............
    If you're coming to Belize to dive the Blue Hole, descend the shelf walls at Turneffe, snorkel the Barrier Reef, explore Mayan ruins, rappel into a cave, kayak along the river through caves, zip line through jungle tree tops, hike through a cave to see an ancient human skeleton, swim with sharks, listen to Howler Monkey's, hold a boa constrictor, feed a jaguar, horseback ride through the jungle, canoe through a cave, rappel down a waterfall, sail around an island, enjoy cocktails & dinner to a sunset, climb 130' feet to the top of a Mayan ruin, rip up the jungle trails on an ATV, float through a series of caves on a tube, and sip on a rum punch.....
    then this is the place for you. 
    Belize Budget Suites, offers you clean, affordable, attractive, accommodations, at prices that allow you to do all the things just mentioned. 

    Archives

    February 2021
    January 2021
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    March 2019

    Categories

    All
    About Ambergris Caye
    About Amphibians In Belize
    About Bats In Belize
    About Belize
    About Belize Barrier Reef
    About Belize Budget Suites
    About Belize Cuisine
    About Belize Culture
    About Birds In Belize
    About Butterflies & Moths
    About Caves
    About Conservation
    About Dangerous Animals
    About Fishing In Belize
    About Garifuna
    About Insects
    About Jaymin's Backyard
    About Mammals In Belize
    About Manatees
    About Marine Life In Belize
    About Maya
    About Maya Mountains
    About Mayan Chocolate
    About Mayan Ruins
    About National Parks
    About Pirates In Belize
    About Rainforests
    About Reptiles In Belize
    About Rivers In Belize
    About San Pedro
    About Snakes In Belize
    About The Belize Zoo
    About Tikal Guatemala
    About Waterfalls In Belize

    RSS Feed


    Picture
    For All Your Home Improvement Needs


    Picture
    For all Your Real Estate Needs
    501-226-4400
    10 Coconut Dr.
    San Pedro, Belize


    Picture
    Click on Image for Link

    Picture

    Picture
    Felicity Sailing

    Picture

    Picture

    Picture

    Picture

    Picture

    Picture

    Picture

    Picture

    Picture

    Picture

    Picture

    Picture

    Picture

    Picture

    Picture

    Picture

    Picture

    Picture

    Picture

    Your Ad Could Go Here

    Picture

Belize Budget Suites
First Class Accommodations for the Budget Traveler
WhatsApp (501) 632-3589  |  Calling within Belize (501) 226-4402 or (501) 632-3589 
Picture
All rights reserved. Copyright (2019-2023 belizebudgetsuites.com)
  • HOME
  • BOOK NOW
  • RATES
  • ACCOMMODATIONS
  • ABOUT US
    • Reviews & Testimonials
    • The Property
    • The Neighborhood
    • Blog - Belize Adventure
    • Blog - 2 Boys in Belize
    • FAQ
  • ABOUT BELIZE
    • Where is Belize?
    • Traveling to Belize >
      • International Flights & Airlines
      • Belize Visas & Immigration
      • Arriving in Belize
      • Belize Land Borders
      • Getting to the Island
      • Departing Belize
      • What to Bring
      • How To Save Money
    • Best Time to Visit
    • Know Before You Go
    • Is Belize Safe?
    • Belize by the Month
    • Belize Festivals >
      • Food Festivals
      • Chocolate Festival
      • Lobster Festival
      • Mango Festival
      • Taco Festival
    • Belize Maps
    • Belize History
    • Ambergris Caye
    • San Pedro
  • ADVENTURES
    • Where to Eat
    • Things to Do
    • Diving >
      • Diving in Belize
      • Diving Vacations
      • Diving Blue Hole
      • Diving Turneffe Atoll
      • Diving Barrier Reef
      • Diving Basil Jones
      • Night Diving
    • Snorkeling >
      • Snorkel in Belize
      • Snorkeling Vacations
      • Hol Chan Marine
      • Shark Ray Alley
      • Mexico Rocks & Tres Cocos
      • Coral Gardens
      • Blue Hole Snorkeling
      • Bachalar Chico Marine
    • Fishing >
      • Fishing in Belize
      • Fishing Vacations
      • Deep Sea Fishing
      • Reef Fishing
      • Flat Fishing
      • Night Fishing
      • Robles Fishing, Snorkel & Beach BBQ
      • Fishing Charters
    • Sailing >
      • Sailing in Belize
      • Sailing Vacations
      • Day Sail to Caye Caulker
      • Manatee Watch Snorkel Goff Caye
      • Sail Around the Island
      • Sunset Sail
      • Sunset Houseboat
      • Sunset Dinner Cruise
      • Sunset Houseboat-Tapas
      • Island Hopping
      • Private Catamaran Charters
    • Jungle >
      • Jungles in Belize
      • Jungle Vacations
      • Bird Watching
      • Birds of Belize
      • Belize Annual Bird Festival
      • Zip Lining
      • Jungle Trek
      • Antelope Falls Rappelling
      • ATV Jungle Bikes
      • Horseback Riding
      • Belize Zoo
      • Baboon Santuary
    • Caves >
      • Caving in Belize
      • Caving Vacations
      • ATM Cave
      • Black Hole Cave Rappelling
      • Cave Tubing
      • Cave Canoeing
      • Cave Waterfall Rappellilng
      • Cave Kayaking
      • Lost World Expedition
      • River Cave Expedition
      • 7 Miles of Caves
    • Mayan Temples >
      • Temples in Belize
      • Mayan Vacations
      • Altun Ha Ruins
      • Cahal Pech Ruins
      • Caracol Ruins
      • Cerros Maya Ruins
      • Lamanai Mayan Ruins
      • Lubaantun Site
      • Nim Li Punit Ruins
      • Santa Rita Mayan Ruins
      • Tikal (Guatamala)
      • Xunantunich
    • Gallery >
      • Jungle Zip Lining
      • ATM Cave
      • Lamanai Mayan Ruins
      • Belize Zoo
      • Hol Chan-Shark Ray
      • Cave Tubing
      • Xunantunich
  • CONTACT US