Myzopoda aurita
sucker-footed bat

Although it occurred in east Africa during the Pleistocene, this species is now endemic to the island of Madagascar. M. aurita is found primarily along the east coast of the island.

M. aurita is known to inhabit the palm forests of Madagascar, including the forest on the Masoala Peninsula.

As an adult, this bat is generally about 57mm in length (body and head); length of tail 48mm; forearm length 46-50mm. They are named for the sessile pads on their wrists and ankles, which allow them to attach by suction to leaf surfaces. (These pads are similar to those on the Thyroptera tricolor. Although these two species fulfill a similar ecological niche, their suction pads appear to have evolved separately.) Their ears are large and a tragus is present. They have wide lips, and the upper extends beyond the lower lip. On their thumb is a vestigial claw. Their long tail extends beyond the length of the uropatagium. They have moderately dense fur that is generally light brown to golden brown in color. The skull is broad, short and rounded. Dental formula is: (2/3 1/1 3/3 3/3) x 2 = 38

Although this species is not often caught in netting efforts due to its highly maneuverable flight, it can often be heard and/or seen flying over fields, paddies, and developed areas. It is known to cling upright on leaves, usually palm leaves, using its long tail as a support.

The echolocation calls of M. aurita have been described as being moderately intense, frequency modulated (FM) calls. They usually emit 2-4 distinct pulse elements with up to 4 harmonics, and are capable of emitting very long calls (up to 23ms).

Though little is known about this species, it has been determined that it is an insectivore, feeding primarily on Microlepidopteran moths.

As with many species in Madagascar, the sucker-footed bat is facing habitat loss at a profound level. An estimated 80-90% of the native vegetation in Madagascar has been destroyed, and the human population is growing at ~3%/year. Only recently have efforts to slow this trend begun, with a focus on saving the forest on the Masoala Peninsula, the last large forest in Madagascar.