The specific epithet, magna, refers to the large size of Sturnira magna within the genus Sturnira.
Like all Phyllostomids, greater yellow-shouldered bats echolocate. Other species in the genus Sturnira tend to have low intensity, high frequency patterns that are less specialized than those of insectivorous species due to the sessile nature of their food. This is common in bats that forage under the canopy. Echolocation, however, has not been studied specifically in Sturnira magna.
Perception Channels: tactile ; ultrasound ; echolocation ; chemical
In 2008, Sturnira magna was declared a species least concern by the IUCN. Its wide distribution makes the species unlikely to be declining at a fast rate. In Bolivia, however, S. magna is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss by deforestation.
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
There are no known adverse effects of greater yellow-shouldered bats on humans.
Positive impacts of greater yellow-shouldered bats on humans are unknown.
Sturnira magna is a frugivore and likely plays a role in seed dispersal for the plants on which they feed. Greater yellow-shouldered bats are parasitized by Anastrebla delatorrei and Capillaria.
Ecosystem Impact: disperses seeds
Commensal/Parasitic Species:
Greater yellow-shouldered bats are low flying frugivores. They feed alone at night and pick fruits from trees. They consume picked fruits away from the tree. Greater yellow-shouldered bats consume fruits from the family Solanacea and have been captured near gardens containing bananas (Musa) and papaya (Carica papaya). A similar species, Sturnira erythromos, feeds on fruits of the genus Solanum.
Plant Foods: fruit
Primary Diet: herbivore (Frugivore )
Greater yellow-shouldered bats are found in South America, often along the northern Andes Mountains or in forests near the Amazon River. Specifically, they are found in south-central Columbia, eastern Ecuador and Peru, and northwestern Bolivia.
Biogeographic Regions: neotropical (Native )
Greater yellow-shouldered bats are commonly found on the eastern slopes of the northern Andes Mountains in montane forests. They are also found in tropical forests near the Amazon River. They prefer undisturbed tropical forests for nesting sites, but specific roosting sites are unknown. Greater yellow-shouldered bats are most often found in tropical forests where the mean annual precipitation is greater than 400 cm and the mean annual temperature is greater than 24 degrees Celsius.
In Bolivia greater yellow-shouldered bats are typically found at elevations of 685 to 1650 m but have been recorded as high as 2300 m. In Columbia and Peru they are typically found below 300 m in tropical rainforests by the Amazon River. There appears to be a vertical range pattern associated with latitude. In areas north of 5 °S, their vertical range is 100 to 915 m. Areas south of 5 °S, their vertical range is expanded to 200 to 2300 m.
This species is often found in similar areas as Sturnira lilium, which often roost in hollow trees. Sturnira magna may also roost in hollow trees.
Range elevation: 100 to 2300 m.
Habitat Regions: tropical
Terrestrial Biomes: rainforest ; mountains
Lifespan of greater yellow-shouldered bats is currently unknown. Sturnira lilium can live approximately 20 years in the wild.
Greater yellow-shouldered bats in the southern part of their range have a yellow-brown pelage. In the northern part of their range, pelage is browner. Dorsal hairs are gray or yellow at the base and brown or gray at the tip. Greater yellow-shouldered bats often have spots at the shoulders, from which the common name is derived. Ventral pelage is pale yellow or brown, is darker toward the posterior, and is paler than the dorsal side. Individual hairs are tricolored.
Greater yellow-shouldered bats are tailless and have a reduced uropatagium. Like all members of Sturnira, this species has a enlarged third digit. They weigh from 43.1 to 50.0 g and measure 85 to 90 mm in length. Males tend to be slightly larger than females and have slightly longer skulls and a longer maxillary toothrow. Females occasionally have yellowish-brown hairs on their shoulders.
Greater yellow-shouldered bats have trilobed incisors. The dental formula is I2/2, C1/1, P2/2, M3/3 for a total of 32 teeth. The presence of two lower incisors distinguishes S. magna from two other species in the genus Sturnira. Well developed cusps on the first two molars distinguish this species from five other species in the genus.
Range mass: 43.1 to 50.0 g.
Range length: 85 to 90 mm.
Sexual Dimorphism: male larger; sexes colored or patterned differently
Other Physical Features: endothermic ; bilateral symmetry
Predators of greater yellow-shouldered bats are currently unknown.
Little is known about the mating behavior of greater yellow-shouldered bats.
Little is known regarding the reproductive behavior of greater yellow-shouldered bats. In a related species, Sturnira lilium, reproduction occurs twice a year, once in the dry season and once in the wet season. Gestation of S. lilium produces a single offspring each breeding season for an annual total of two pups. Pregnant greater yellow-shouldered bats have been found in February (dry season) and May (wet season) indicating a similar reproductive pattern. Lactating females have been captured in Columbia in May. Males with enlarged testes have been found in May and July.
Breeding interval: Greater yellow-shouldered bats are thought to reproduces once in the wet season and once in the dry season.
Breeding season: The specific breeding seasons of greater yellow-shouldered bats are unknown.
Key Reproductive Features: seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual
Little is known regarding parental investment of greater yellow-shouldered bats. As mammals, females lactate until pups are weaned.
Parental Investment: pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Female)
The greater yellow-shouldered bat (Sturnira magna) is a species of bat in the family Phyllostomidae. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
The greater yellow-shouldered bat (Sturnira magna) is a species of bat in the family Phyllostomidae. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
