88 



NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA 75 



Family Vespertilionidae 



Eptesicus brasiliensis 

 Brazilian Brown Bat 



Brazilian brown bats are found from Veracruz, Mexico, to Argentina (Fig. 69). 

 The Costa Rican subspecies, Eptesicus brasiliensis andinus, occurs in the highlands 

 of Central America. It may warrant recognition as a distinct species (E. andinus). 



Although this species normally is found in highland areas in Central America, 

 its presence at La Selva (LaVal and Fitch 1977) and at 270 m in the Zona argues 

 for broader habitat tolerance. These bats frequently roost in buildings or in hollow 

 trees (Handley 1976). They are insectivorous, but details of the diet are unknown. 

 Reproductive records suggest the possibility of a polyestrous pattern. 



This species has been taken at several localities in the highlands of Costa Rica 

 (Starrett and Casebeer 1968). LaVal and Fitch (1977) captured one at La Selva. 

 Our lowland specimen from Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo was caught in a net 

 placed over a small stream, and the highland specimen was netted in an old pasture 

 near a small strip of riparian forest. 



Specimens examined (2)— 11.5 km S, 4.5 km W of Puerto Viejo, 270 m 

 [1 female, USNM]; 5 km E of Vara Blanca, 2,050 m [1 male, USNM]. 



Fig. 69. Brazilian brown bat, Eptesicus brasiliensis. Photo by B. L. Clauson. 



