Myzopoda aurita Milne-Edwards and A. Grandidier, 1878

Golden Bat

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

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Overview

Biology

Source and Additional Information
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ARKive external link
Copyright
Copyright Wildscreen 2003-2008. Some rights reserved external link
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Citation

This rare and little studied bat is only known from a few specimens. What is known about it is that its remarkable suction pads enable it to cling to smooth vertical surfaces. Glands secrete a substance directly onto the surface of the suction pads to aid adhesion to a surface, creating a bond strong enough to support the bat's entire body weight. One specimen was found roosting in the uncoiled leaf of the palm Ravenala madagascariensis and therefore it is presumed to roost in palms and similar vegetation. It roosts with the head uppermost whilst using the tail as a prop (2) (3). The Old World sucker-footed bat possesses a complex echolocation system and produces remarkably long calls, used to hunt insects, in particular small moths (2).
"Myzopoda aurita Milne-Edwards and A. Grandidier, 1878". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/1038742". Accessed 21 Mar 2010.