First record of Molossus molossus tropidorhynchus Gray (1839) from the United States

Abstract

Three colonies of Molossus molossus tropidorhynchus have been located in the Florida Keys; one on Vaca Key, one on Boca Chica Key, and one on Stock Island. A single specimen and several reports of bats suggest Key West as an additional locality. All colonies were found in large buildings. Sizes of colonies were estimated to be 268 individuals on Boca Chica and 70-100 individuals on Vaca Key. Colonization of the Keys occurred either naturally via overwater dispersal or through introduction by humans possibly from Cuba. These records represent the first record of M. m. tropidorhynchus in the United States and the first well-documented colonies of bats on the Florida Keys.