Platalina genovensium (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)

Abstract: Platalina genovensium Thomas, 1928 is a bat commonly called Peruvian long-tongued bat. P. genovensium is characterized by having a greatly elongated muzzle, rostrum clearly longer than the braincase, and premaxillary bones projecting beyond the canines. The dorsal pelage is long and bicolored; the venter is lighter than the dorsum. P. genovensium is distributed from west of the Andes in Peru to northern Chile, with a few records reported from the Andes in Peru. It feeds in desert areas characterized by the presence of columnar cacti from which it obtains nectar and fruits; it has been recorded at elevations from near sea level up to about 2,600 m. It is listed as “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.