Data on reproduction of Platyrrhinus lineatus in a long-term sampling study in the state of Rio de Janeiro (Mammalia, Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae)

Abstract

Based on a large bat sampling we analyzed the reproductive biology of Platyrrhinus lineatus (E. Geoffroy, 1810) in the Atlantic Forest, southeastern Brazil. The bats were captured with mist nets from 1989 and 2005, in 27 of the 41 different localities sampled. The beginning of reproductive season was estimated 30 days before the date of capture of the first pregnant female. For determination of the end of the reproductive time we used the date of the capture of the last lactating female, added by 40 days. The total of 688 adult bats was analyzed, of which 58.3% were females. The largest numbers of captures was observed in the months of February, January and August. Males with descent testicles were observed in all of the months. Inactive females were observed in predominance in March and of May to August. Females with palpable fetuses were observed in all of the months except in April, June and July, with peak in August-October and January-February. Lactating females were netted from November to June, with peak in November and February. Females simultaneously pregnant and lactating were captured in all of the months except in July, with peak in April. The size of the reproductive season varied every year, from eight to 12 months, with an average of 10.6 months.