Disparate feeding strategies used by syntopic Antillean nectarivorous bats to obtain dietary protein

• DOI: 10.1644/09-mamm-a-323.1
• Publication Date: 2010-08-17T14:43:05Z
• Authors: Carlos A. Mancina; L. Gerardo Herrer...
• Keywords: Frugivore; Insectivore

Protein is essential for growth and reproduction. We used nitrogen stable isotope analysis to reconstruct protein (i.e., nitrogen) dietary origin in 2 Antillean nectarivorous bats with contrasting morphology of the masticatory apparatus: Greater long-tongued bat (Monophyllus redmani, Glossophaginae) Poey's flower (Phyllonycteris poeyi, Phyllonycterinae). M. redmani has a apparatus that more adapted feed on flowers, whereas P. poeyi feeding structure resembles frugivorous bats. relied mixture derived from insects plants, depended plant nitrogen. Based previous findings fecal contents, we concluded obtained mainly pollen, it predominantly fruits. Our study suggests jaw plays major role diversification among obtain protein.