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- Galapagos Hoary Bat
Fernandina Rice Rat Facts
Name: Galapagos Hoary Bat
Scientific Name: Lasiurus borealis
Family: Vespertilionidae
Length: 13-14.5 centimeters (5 to 5.7 inches) long with a 40-centimeter (15.7 inches) wingspan
Weight: 26 grams (0.9 ounces)
Size: Small (length of forearm: 55 mm / 2.1 in)
Category: Bats
Endemic Subspecies: Galapagos Red Bat
Two species of bats have been recorded in Galapagos, both indigenous residents. Bats are unmistakable, small, furry, nocturnal, flying mammals. Their wings being formed of a membrane of skin between the elongated digits of their 'hands' and their ankles.
Locally common throughout the archipelago.
Identification:
Short, blunt head and ears, no nose-leaf, and thickly-furred tail membrane. Considerably larger than the Galapagos Red Bat. A large bat that tends to fly high off the ground, usually above 8 m, with a strong, fast flight and slow wing beats. Fur light brown, with white 'frosting' and a white throat.
Behavior:
Like the Galapagos Bat, roosts in trees in sheltered places, especially in mangroves and along forest edges; usually occurring singly. Occasionally forages around street lights in towns.