Cynomops milleri

Cynomops milleri
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Chiroptera
Family:	Molossidae
Genus:	Cynomops
Species:	C. milleri
Binomial name
Cynomops milleri (Osgood, 1914)
Synonyms
Molossops milleri Osgood, 1914

Cynomops milleri is a species of bat that is native to South America. It was previously considered a subspecies of the Para dog-faced bat.^[1] It is considered a small- to medium-sized member of its genus.^[2] It is classified as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature because it appears to be common and widespread. It is found in Venezuela, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Brazil, and Peru.^[3][2]

Taxonomy

Cynomops milleri was described as a new species in 1914 by American zoologist Wilfred Hudson Osgood. Osgood initially placed it in the genus Molossops, with a scientific name of Molossops milleri. The holotype had been collected by Malcolm Playfair Anderson near Yurimaguas, Peru. Osgood noted that the eponym for the species name "milleri" was fellow zoologist Gerrit Smith Miller Jr.^[4]

Its taxonomy has fluctuated since its description, with Moras et al. saying the taxon had one of the most controversial histories of any Cynomops species.^[5] In 1978, Koopman considered it a subspecies of the Southern dog-faced bat (Cynomops planirostris). In 1998, Simmons and Ross published that it was synonymous with the Para dog-faced bat (C. paranus).^[6] Most recently, it has been considered a full species.^[7]

Description

Overall, it is a smaller member of its genus. Based on 6 males and 17 females, males have an average mass of 18.52 g (0.653 oz), and females have an average mass of 14.29 g (0.504 oz). Males and females have average forearm lengths of 35.17 mm (1.385 in) and 34.89 mm (1.374 in), respectively. Its back fur coloration varies from dark chocolate brown to light reddish brown.^[5]

Range and habitat

Cynomops milleri is found in northern and eastern South America where it is found in lowlands.^[5]

References