30 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA 75 



Noctilio leporinus 

 Greater Bulldog Bat 



Greater bulldog bats are known from Sinaloa and Veracruz, Mexico, to Argen- 

 tina (Fig. 17). The Costa Rican subspecies, Noctilio leporinus mastivus, is found 

 throughout Central America and northern South America. 



Although known from both dry and wet tropical forests, this species is found 

 mainly along major lowland river systems. Roosts are known from hollow trees 

 and sea caves (Hood and Jones 1984), and Mares et al. (1981) reported a night 

 roost under a bridge occupied by several hundred individuals. These bats feed on 

 insects and on fish, which they gaff at the surface of the water with their long claws 

 (Brandon 1983). 



The first record for Costa Rica was that of Carter et al. (1966). Although no 

 specimens have been preserved from La Selva, these large bats can be seen forag- 

 ing low over the Rio Puerto Viejo. A group roosted under the cement steps lead- 

 ing to the boat dock in the late 1970's and early 1980's, but they have not used 

 this site in recent years. 



Specimens examined (2)— 7.3 mi SE of Puerto Viejo [2 males, TTU]. 



Fig. 17. Greater bulldog bat, 

 Noctilio leporinus. Photo by 

 S R. K. LaVal 



