New records of Sturnira bakeri in northwestern Ecuador: field notes about the species

Abstract

Despite Sturnira bakeri is a recently described species, little is known about its intraspecific variation, feeding and flying habits, and reproductive patterns.  This research aimed to confirm the presence of this species in northwestern Ecuador by comparing voucher specimens with the available literature.  Several specimens of S. bakeri were captured in northwestern Pichincha.  I collected 2 vouchers, but I focused on a variable specimen (a specimen with some different traits) and compared it with the original species description.  Field notes on their physical appearance, reproductive status and other habits are included.  The presence of S. bakeri in northwestern Ecuador is confirmed based on craniodental characters (such as the presence of bicuspidate upper inner incisors, serrated inner cusps on the lower molars, oval sphenorbital fissure, basisphenoid pits shallow and divided by a midline septum) and measurements similar to previous studies, but with some morphological differences like the shape of the zygomatic arches.  Sturnira bakeri was found in secondary forests and pastures, it lives in sympatry with S. ludovici, and eats fruits of some plant species: Piper, Vismia, Cecropia, Drymonia, Anthurium and Psychotria.  Variable specimens complicate species taxonomical identification and species definition.  The new records with data about diet and habits help to fill gaps in knowledge about the species in this zone of the neotropics.