Chilonatalus micropus
Cuban lesser funnel-eared bat

Chilonatalus micropus is found on the island of Jamaica in the Greater Antilles, and on Cuba, the nearby isle of Pines, Hispaniola, and Old Providence Island off the east coast of Nicaragua. In Jamaica, these animals have been reported found in Kingston, St. Clair Cave, Monarva Cave, and Windsor Cave. (Norwak, 1999)

Chilonatalus micropus lives mainly deep in caves that are high in moisture. These bats have also been found living in dark mines and tunnels, but this is very rare. (Kerridge, Baker, and December 29, 1978)

All natalids have large, funnel-shaped ears, with glandular papillae on the surface of the external ear. They also have a short, triangular tragus, which is quite thick, but they lack a true nose leaf. All species in this family, however, have a hairy protuberance on the tip of the snout that resembles a nose leaf. The eyes are not prominent. The oval nostrils are set close together and are located near the margin of the lip.

One special characteristic of natalids is a peculiar structure on the face or muzzle of adult males. This structure is commonly known as the "natalid organ." It is made up of sensory cells, but it could actually be involved in glandular functions. There is not enough known about this structure to comment upon it further, but it seems to be found solely in the Natalidae.

All funnel-eared bats have long, slender wings and legs that are quite fragile. The thumbs are also very short, but possess their own flight membranes. In addition, the second finger lacks bony phalanges. The tail is about as long as or longer than the legs and is completely enclosed in the tail membrane, the uroplagium.

Chilonatalus micropus has many special characteristics which set this species apart from the others in the family. Chilonatalus micropus is the smallest and most delicate bat in the New World. The lower lip of this species is reflected outward. It also possesses a small, horizontal cutaneous projection on the other side. This structure looks much like a second lower lip.

Chilonatalus micropus has a very dense and long coat. Coat color varies depending on its location on the body. Dorsally, the fur is pale yellowish brown at the hair base with tips that are either reddish or chestnut-brown. Ventrally, the hair is pale yellowish-brown throughout.

The dental formula is (3/3, 1/1, 3/3, 3/3). These bats have a well-developed "W" tooth pattern. The 3rd incisor is separated from the other two. The canine is small but well developed and is noticeably set apart from the other teeth. The premolars are all in close contact with the other teeth and the molars are approximately equal in size and form.

There seems to be no sexual dimorphism. (Kerridge, Baker, and December 29, 1978; Silva, 1979)

Little is known about the behavior of C. micropus. These bats are found in loose clusters of up to several hundred individuals. These colonies roost on the undersides of low ledges in deep caves. Chilonatalus micropus is an obligate cave dweller that may aestivate (spend its summers in a state of inactivity).

Chilonatalus micropus is also known to be a rather slow flyer. ("Encyclopedia of Mammals", 1985; Kerridge, Baker, and December 29, 1978)

All members of the family Natalidae feed on tiny insects, which they locate by using very high frequency ultra-sounds. These frequencies can get up to 170 kHz, which are emitted through the mouth. ("Encyclopedia of Mammals", 1985)

Because there is so little known about this species, it is important that their habitat not be destroyed so that more research can be done and more information can be found about these small mammals. (Kerridge, Baker, and December 29, 1978)

The genus name Natalus is derived form the Latin word meaning "related to one's birth." The name was chosen because the bats of this genus are small and look like newborns even as adults. The species name micropus comes from the Greek word "micros", meaning small, and "pus" meaning foot.

There is scant fossil history of C. micropus. Fossils found in Las Villas from the Pleistocene era suggest that there has been little change in this species since that time.

The Natalidae has had a confusing taxonomic history. It was originally placed in the Phyllostomidae.

Why this species is so uncommon in collections is not really known. There could be a several reasons:

1. C. micropus may have very narrow ecological requirements.
2. There has not been much bat collecting on the islands where this species is found.
3. Because these bats are so small, lightweight and such slow flyers, they hard to trap in mist nets.

(Kerridge and Baker, 1978; Silva, 1979; Ottenwalder and Genoways, 1982)