Australian Biological Resources Study

Australian Faunal Directory

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Family MOLOSSIDAE


Compiler and date details

October 2010 - Updated by S. Jackson, c/- Queensland Museum, Brisbane, following Van Dyck & Strahan (2008)

31 December 1998 - J.A. Mahoney & D.W. Walton (1988); updated by Barry J. Richardson (1999), Centre for Biostructural and Biomolecular Research, University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury

Introduction

Molossid bats are characterised by the absence of postorbital processes and only the palatal branch of the premaxillae may be present. There is articulation between the greater tuberosity of the humerus and the scapula. The upper lip is heavy and often has vertical folds. The ears are broad, often joined across the head and the tragus is present. The fifth manal digit is short, half or less the length of the third. The wing, therefore, is long and narrow and this family includes some of the fastest flying species of bats. The fibula is well developed, the legs short and strong. Conspicuous stiff bristle-like hairs are present on the feet. The tail extends well beyond the trailing edge of the interfemoral membrane.

Molossids are usually cavernicolous; roosts may be found in a variety of situations. All species are insectivorous. Although brief periods of torpor may occur, prolonged hibernation does not. Seasonal migration does occur. Although some species are solitary, most are social and colonies of enormous numbers of individuals are documented.

Reardon et al. (2014) show that Mormopterus Peters, 1865 is not present in Australia, but limited to New Guinea.

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
04-Dec-2018 CHIROPTERA 04-Dec-2018 MODIFIED
30-Jun-2014 MOLOSSIDAE 14-Aug-2018 MODIFIED
04-Dec-2018 18-Nov-2010 MOVED
12-Feb-2010 (import)