2004/07/01 by Marco Aurelio R. Mello, Marco A. R. Mello, Gilberto M. Schittini +4 · 1 citation
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Environmental Science · #Bat Biology and Ecology Studies #Marine animal studies overview #Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
paper · doi:10.1515/mamm.2004.006
crossref issued 2004/07/01 · crossref published 2004/07/01 · crossref published-print 2004/07/01 · openalex publication_date 2004/07/01 · crossref published-online 2007/07/12 · crossref created 2007/07/12 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · crossref deposited 2022/06/05 · crossref indexed 2026/07/30 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Carollia perspicillata feeds primarily on plants of the family Piperaceae, as reported in the literature. Although this preference occurs throughout this species’ geographic range, in some situations they may eat other items. This study analyzed variations in the feeding habits of this bat species over an 18-month period. Although C. perspicillata consumed mostly Piper plants, they also ate other fruits (e.g. Cecropia and Solanum plants), and insects as well. Food choice followed a seasonal pattern, related to the availability of Piper plants. The seasonal absence of these fruits may have necessitated bats to eat alternative items.