Some insect prey consumed by Peropteryx kappleri Peters, 1867 (Chiroptera: Emballonuridae) in Northern Venezuela

Algunos insectos presa consumidos por Peropteryx kappleri Peters, 1867 (Chiroptera: Emballonuridae) en el Norte de Venezuela

• Franger J. García Universidad de Carabobo, Valencia, Venezuela.
• Marjorie Machado Universidad de Carabobo, Valencia, Venezuela
• José Núñez Universidad de Carabobo, Valencia, Venezuela.
• Mariana Delgado-Jaramillo Universidad de Carabobo, Valencia, Venezuela.
• Luis Aular Universidad de Carabobo, Valencia, Venezuela.

Keywords: Diet, Peropteryx kappleri, Sierra de Aroa, Venezuela

Abstract

In Venezuela the bats of the genus Peropteryx have been poorly studied. The data for the species that inhabit the country are limited to information strictly on taxonomy and geographic distribution. As a contribution to the knowledge of the natural history of Peropteryx kappleri, we report data concerning its diet, obtained in a colony formed by four specimens, in a fragmented evergreen forest ubiquitous in the Sierra de Aroa, Yaracuy state, Venezuela. In 2007, four daytime trips were conducted monthly (March, April, May and June). For the analysis on the feeding habits, we collected the fecal samples, using a 1 x 1.5 m polyethylene sheet located approximately 0.5 m above the ground. In the laboratory, the samples were processed and identified to order level, but in some case were identified further to family level. The results show a high percentage of prey of the class Hexapoda (six orders) in the fecal samples. Hymenoptera and Coleoptera were the orders with the highest percentage of individuals and frequency of occurrence in the study. The remaining orders recorded (Lepidoptera, Homoptera, Trichoptera and Diptera) obtained the lowest percentages. The fragmented insects found in the cave that were not consumed by the colony could indicate a high fidelity to the refuge and a feeding behaviour not previously documented in Peropteryx kappleri.

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