Mystacina tuberculata Gray, 1843

New Zealand Lesser Short-tailed Bat

Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU) external link Showing: scientific names

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Overview

Biology

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ARKive external link
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Copyright Wildscreen 2003-2008. Some rights reserved external link
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Very little is know about the fascinating lesser short-tailed bat. Small groups occupy hollow trees and caves to roost and it is thought that bats may use their teeth and claws to excavate burrows in a manner similar to rodents (2). Agile on the ground, short-tailed bats spend large amounts of time of the forest floor, feeding on insects, fruit and nectar (3). It is thought that this species is an important pollinator of the endangered woodrose (Dactylanthus spp.), a parasitic plant of roots on the forest floor (3). During the breeding season, males are thought to compete for females via a lek mating system in which they 'sing' from important positions to attract mates (3).
"Mystacina tuberculata Gray, 1843". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/1038741". Accessed 15 Mar 2010.