About Molossus molossus (Pallas, 1766)
Scientific Naming
The velvety free-tailed bat, scientifically named Molossus molossus (Pallas, 1766), is a medium-sized bat.
Size Measurements
It reaches 4 inches (100 mm) in length, with a wingspan ranging from 11 to 13 inches (280–330 mm).
Coloration
This species is brown in color, but it appears black when flying at dusk.
Morphological Features
It has a long tail that extends beyond the tail membrane, and large, round ears.
Geographic Distribution
This bat is found across the Americas, ranging from Argentina northward through Mexico and Cuba to the Florida Keys of the United States, and it is very common throughout the Caribbean.
Recorded Predation Event
A single predation event has been recorded in the Amazon: a giant centipede (Scolopendra viridicornis) killed one velvety free-tailed bat that was roosting inside a man-made wooden structure in Cristalino State Park.
Centipede Attack Details
The centipede grabbed the bat with its legs and injected venom into the bat’s neck.
Predation Observation Significance
This observation is notable because centipede predation on bats is very rare.
