First record of leucism in two species of insectivore bats (Chiroptera) from San Luis province, Argentina

ACOSTA, D. B.; PINARDI, E.; MERINO, M. L.

Notas sobre mamíferos sudamericanos

SAREM

Año: 2023 vol. 5

Leucism is defined as the total or partial lack of pigmentation in the body except the soft parts. This disorder could affect the survival and fitness of the animal. Here, we report the first case of leucism in Eptesicus furinalis and Tadarida brasiliensis from San Luis Province, Argentina. For each species, leucitic males were recorded, with an atypical coloration both dorsal and ventrally, the coloration of the eyes and the membranes being normal. Communicating these pigmentary disorders in bats is essential as a starting point for future ethological, ecological and genetic research.