Tent-making by Artibeus jamaicensis (Chiroptera: Phyllostomatidae) with comments on plants used by bats for tents

Abstract

Four species of bats have been reported to modify leaves of various plants to produce tents for daytime roosts. Herein we report tent-making by a fifth species, Artibeus jamaicensis (Chiroptera: Phyllostomatidae) In addition we report bat tents from Scheelea rostrata, Geonoma congesta. Bactris wendlandiana, and Asterogyne martiana, four species of palms not previously known to harbor them. A review of the plants used by bats for tents reveals a preference for species with a broad leaf surface, though pinnate leaf forms may also be used. Tents may provide effective protection from predators through total concealment or through the disruptive pattern presented. Tents in species with broad leaves probably require less effort for construction and provide better protection from the weather.