Parnell's mustached bat

Parnell's mustached bat is a fascinating insectivorous species native to North, Central, and South America. These bats can be found from southern Sonora in Mexico to Brazil. Relatively large, their forearms measure about 60 millimeters. They also possess short, pointed ears, and a distinctive funnel-shaped lip.

These bats prefer moist habitats but can also be found in some dry deciduous forests. Nocturnal by nature, they spend their daylight hours roosting in caves and mines. At night, they emerge to hunt a variety of insects, such as beetles, moths, flies, and dragonflies. Unlike many other insectivorous bats, Parnell's mustached bats prefer hunting in non-riverine habitats. This choice carries a higher energy cost due to dense foliage and the need for greater agility, but it also provides them with more nutritious prey.

During the breeding season, which peaks around July, female Parnell's mustached bats gather in warm caves, often alongside other bat species. They give birth and nurse their pups until about October.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Parnell's mustached bat is its echolocation. These bats produce calls featuring a long constant frequency (CF) combined with brief frequency modulations (FM) and a harmonic structure. They use these calls to gauge relative motion and determine distances to their targets, relying on Doppler-sensitive sonar thanks to the extended CF component. Beyond echolocation, they also employ various other communication methods.