Lichonycteris obscura (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)

Abstract

The dark long-tongued bat (Lichonycteris obscura Thomas, 1895) is a small-sized phyllostomid with a broad distribution from southern Mexico to both, the Pacific and Atlantic lowlands of South America. It is easily distinguished from other Glossophaginae because of its tricolored dorsal pelage with a dark basal band, well-furred elbow, lack of lower incisors, and wing membrane attached to the foot at about mid-length of the metatarsals. L. obscura is a foliage-roosting species, and primarily feeds on nectar and pollen. The species is rare because locally it occurs in low numbers. Despite the lack of information and low abundance, L. obscura is listed as a species of "Least Concern"by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.