66 



NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA 75 



Artibeus lituratus 

 Big Fruit-eating Bat 



Big fruit-eating bats are found from Sinaloa, Mexico, south through Central 

 America to Argentina in South America (Fig. 49). According to Davis (1984), 

 the single subspecies occurring in Costa Rica is Artibeus lituratus palmarum. He 

 recognized A. intermedius , formerly considered a subspecies of A, lituratus, as 

 a distinct species. Artibeus intermedius is more common on the Pacific side of the 

 country. 



This species is widespread and locally abundant. The variety of habitats used 

 ranges from dry forest to wet tropical forest. Roosting sites include caves, tun- 

 nels, hollow trees, buildings, culverts, foliage, and rock crevices (Goodwin and 

 Greenhall 1961). Although primarily frugivorous, flowers, leaves, and insects also 

 are taken (Gardner 1977). The reproductive cycle is one of bimodal polyestry 

 (Wilson 1979; Willig 1985). 



Although found throughout the country, this larger species is less abundant 

 at most sites than A. jamaicensis. LaVal and Fitch (1977) took 16 at La Selva. 

 We collected only one from Braulio Carrillo. Frequently, these bats forage higher 

 in the canopy than do A. jamaicensis, and are more difficult to capture in ground- 

 level mist nets. 



Specimens examined (7)— Finca La Selva, 3 km S of Puerto Viejo, 70 m 

 [1 male, 2 females, LACM; 1 male, 1 sex?, MSB]; llkmS,4.5 km W of Puerto 

 Viejo, 270 m [1 male, UNA]; Puerto Viejo, Rio Sarapiqui, 300 ft [1 female, KU]. 



Fig. 49. Big fruit-eating bat, Artibeus lituratus. Photo by B. L. Clauson. 



