Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Foraging Strategies of Plant-Visiting Bats

  • Chapter
Ecology of Bats

Abstract

Approximately 250 of the 850 known species of bats (about 29%) are partially or wholly dependent upon plants as a source of food. These bats are involved in a mutualistic exploitation system with plants in which the bats obtain food in the form of nectar, pollen, or fruit while providing mobility for the plant’s pollen grains or seeds. Coevolutionary aspects of these bat-plant interactions are discussed in detail (Chapter 9). In this chapter I will discuss our present knowledge of the foraging strategies of plant-visiting bats and will be minimally concerned with the potential consequences of chiropteran foraging behavior on plant populations.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Allen, G. M. 1939. Bats. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, 368 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Alvarez, T., and L. Gonzalez Q. 1970. Analisis polinico del contenido gastrico de murcielagos Glossophaginae de Mexico. An. Esc. Nac. Cienc. Biol., Mexico City, 18:137–165.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arata, A. A., J. B. Vaughn, and M. E. Thomas. 1967. Food habits of certain Colombian bats. J. Mammal., 48:653–655.

    Google Scholar 

  • Avala, S. C., and A. D’Alessandro. 1973. Insect feeding behavior of some Colombian fruit-eating bats. J. Mammal., 54:266–267.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ayensu, E. S. 1974. Plant and bat interactions in West Africa. Ann. Mo. Bot. Gard., 61:702–727.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baker, H. G. 1961. The adaptation of flowering plants to nocturnal and crepuscular pollinators. Q. Rev. Biol., 36:64–73.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baker, H. G. 1973. Evolutionary relationships between flowering plants and animals in American and African tropical forests. Pp. 145–159, in Tropical forest ecosystems in Africa and South America: A comparative review. (B. J. Meggers, E. S. Ayensu, and W. D. Duckworth, eds.). Smithsonian Institute Press, Washington, 350 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baker, H. G. 1978. Chemical aspects of the pollination biology of woody plants in the tropics. Pp. 57–82, in Tropical trees as living systems. (P. B. Tomlinson and M. H. Zimmerman, eds.). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 675 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baker, H. G., and B. J. Harris. 1957. The pollination of Parkia by bats and its attendent evolutionary problems. Evolution, 11:449–460.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baker, H. G., R. W. Cruden, and I. Baker. 1971. Minor parasitism in pollination biology and its community function: The case of Ceiba acuminata. Bioscience, 21:1127–1129.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barbour, R. W., and W. H. Davis. 1969. Bats of America. University Press of Kentucky, Lexington, 286 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baron, G., and P. Jolicoeur. 1980. Brain structure in Chiroptera: Some multivariate trends. Evolution, 34:386–393.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bonaccorso, F. J. 1979. Foraging and reproductive ecology in a Panamanian bat community. Bull. Fla. State Mus. Biol. Sci., 24:359–408.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bradbury, J. W. 1977. Lek mating behavior in the hammer-headed bat. Z. Tierpsychol., 45:225–255.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, J. L. 1964. The evolution of diversity in avian territorial systems. Wilson Bull., 76:160–169.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carpenter, F. L., and R. E. MacMillen. 1976. Threshold model of feeding territoriality and test with a Hawaiian honeycreeper. Science, 194:639–642.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Case, T. J., and M. E. Gilpin. 1974. Interference competition and niche theory. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., U.S.A., 71:3073–3077.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Charnov, E. L. 1976. Optimal foraging: The marginal value theorem. Theor. Pop. Biol., 9:129–136.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cody, M. L. 1974. Optimization in ecology. Science, 183:1156–1164.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Croat, T. B. 1975. Phenological behavior of habit and habitat classes on Barro Colorado Island (Panama Canal Zone). Biotropica, 7:270–277.

    Google Scholar 

  • Croat, T. B. 1978. The flora of Barro Colorado Island. Stanford University Press, Stanford, 943 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dalquest, W. W. 1953. Mexican bats of the genus Artibeus. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash., 66:61–66.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eisenberg, J. F., and D. E. Wilson. 1978. Relative brain size and feeding strategies in the Chirop-tera. Evolution, 32:740–757.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fenton, M. B., and T. H. Kunz. 1977. Movements and behavior. Pp. 351–364. in Biology of bats of the New World family Phyllostomatidae. Part II. (R. J. Baker, J. K. Jones, Jr., and D. C. Carter, eds.). Spec. Publ. Mus. Texas Tech Univ. Lubbock, 13:1–364.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fmdley, J. S., E. H. Studier, and D. E. Wilson. 1972. Morphologic properties of bat wings. J. Mammal., 53:429–444.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fleming, T. H. 1979. Do tropical frugivores compete for food? Am. Zool., 19:1157–1172.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fleming, T. H., and E. R. Heithaus. 1980. Frugivorous bats, seed shadows, and the structure of tropical forests. Biotropica, 13:45–53.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fleming, T. H., E. T. Hooper, and D. E. Wilson. 1972. Three Central American bat communities: Structure, reproductive cycles, and movement patterns. Ecology, 53:653–670.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fleming, T. H., E. R. Heithaus, and W. B. Sawyer. 1977. An experimental analysis of the food location behavior of frugivorous bats. Ecology, 58:619–627.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frankie, G. W., H. G. Baker, and P. A. Opler. 1974. Comparative phenological studies of trees in tropical wet and dry forests in the lowlands of Costa Rica. J. Ecol., 62:881–919.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gardner, A. L. 1977. Feeding habits. Pp. 293–350. in Biology of bats of the New World family Phyllostomatidae. Part II. (R. J. Baker. J. K. Jones, Jr., and D. C. Carter, eds.). Spec. Publ. Mus. Texas Tech Univ. Lubbock, 13:1–364.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gentry, A. H. 1974. Flowering phenology and diversity in tropical Bignoniaceae. Biotropica, 6:64–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gentry, A. H. 1978. Anti-pollinators for mass-flowering plants? Biotropica. 10:68–69.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gill, F. B., and L. L. Wolf. 1975. Economics of feeding territoriality in the Golden-winged Sunbird. Ecology, 56:333–345.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glander, K. E. 1980. Feeding patterns in mantled howling monkeys. Pp. 231–257. in Foraging behavior Ecological, ethological, and psychological approaches. (A. Kamil. ed.). Garland Press. New York, 534 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goodwin, G. G., and A. M. Greenhall. 1961. A review of the bats of Trinidad and Tobago. Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., 122:187–302.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gould, E. H. 1978. Foraging behavior of Malaysian nectar-feeding bats. Biotropica, 10:184–193.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamilton III, W. J., and K. E. F. Watt. 1970. Refuging. Ann. Rev. Ecol. Syst., 1:263–286.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hassell, M. P., and R. M. May. 1974. Aggregation of predators and insect parasites and its effect on stability. J. Anim. Ecol., 43:567–594.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heinrich, B. 1975. Energetics of pollination. Ann. Rev. Ecol. Syst., 6:139–170.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heithaus, E. R., and T. H. Fleming. 1978. Foraging movements of a frugivorous bat. Carollia perspicillata (Phyllostomatidae). Ecol. Monogr., 48:127–143.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heithaus, E. R., P. A. Opler, and H. G. Baker. 1974. Bat activity and pollination of Bauhinia pauletia: Plant-pollinator coevolution. Ecology, 55:412–419.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heithaus, E. R., T. H. Fleming, and P. A. Opler. 1975. Foraging patterns and resource utilization in seven species of bats in a seasonal tropical forest. Ecology. 56:841–854.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hladik, C. M., A. Hladik, J. Bousett, P. Valdebouze, G. Viroben, and J. Delort-Laval. 1971. Le régime alimentaire de primate de l’ile de Barro Colorado (Panama). Folia Primatol., 16:95–122.

    Google Scholar 

  • Howe, H. F. 1979. Fear and frugivory. Am. Nat., 114:925–931.

    Google Scholar 

  • Howe, H. F., and G. F. Estabrook. 1977. On intraspecific competition for avian dispersere in tropical trees. Am. Nat., 111:817–832.

    Google Scholar 

  • Howell, D. J. 1974. Bats and pollen: physiological aspects of the syndrome of chiropterophily. Comp. Biochem. Physiol., 48:263–276.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Howell, D. J. 1977. Time sharing and body partitioning in bat-plant pollination systems. Nature, 270:509–510.

    Google Scholar 

  • Howell, D. J. 1979. Flock foraging in nectar-feeding bats: advantages to the bats and to the host plants. Am. Nat., 114:23–49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Howell, D. J., and D. L. Hartl. 1980. Optimal foraging in Glossophagine bats:When to give up. Am. Nat., 115:696–704.

    Google Scholar 

  • Humphrey, S. R., and F. J. Bonaccorso. 1978. Population and community ecology. Pp. 409–441, in Biology of bats of the New World family Phyllostomatidae. Part III. (R. J. Baker. J. K. Jones, Jr., and D. C. Carter, eds.). Spec. Publ. Mus. Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock. 16:1–441.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jamieson, R. W. 1977. Foraging behavior in Carollia perspicillata. a neotropical frugivorous bat. Unpublished M. S. thesis, University of Missouri, St. Louis, 39 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Janzen, D. H. 1978. Seeding patterns of tropical trees. Pp. 83–128, in Tropical trees as living systems. (P. B. Tomlinson and M. H. Zimmerman, eds.). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 675 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Janzen, D. H. 1979. How to be a fig. Ann. Rev. Ecol. Syst., 10:13–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Janzen, D. H., G. A. Miller, J. Hackforth-Jones, C. M. Pond, K. Hooper, and D. P. Janos. 1976. Two Costa Rican bat-generated seed shadows of Andira inermis (Leguminosae). Ecology, 57:1068–1075.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jimbo, S., and H. O. Schwassmann. 1967. Feeding behavior and the daily emergence pattern of “Artibeus jamaicensis” Leach (Chiroptera, Phyllostomatidae). Atas Simp. Biota Amazonica, 5:239–253.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, J. K., Jr., and D. C. Carter. 1976. Annotated checklist, with keys to subfamilies and genera. Pp. 7–38, in Biology of bats of the New World family Phyllostomatidae. Part I. (R. J. Baker, J. K. Jones. Jr., and D. C. Carter, eds.). Spec. Publ. Mus. Texas Tech Univ. Lubbock. 10:1-218.

    Google Scholar 

  • Katz, P. L. 1974. A long-term approach to foraging optimization. Am. Nat., 108:758–782.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kingdon, J. 1974. East African mammals. Vol. 2. Part A. Academic Press. London. 341 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kodrich-Brown, A., and J. H. Brown. 1978. Influence of economics, interspecific competition, and sexual dimorphism on territoriality of migrant Rufous Hummingbirds. Ecology. 59:285–296.

    Google Scholar 

  • Koopman, K. F., and E. L. Cockmm. 1967. Pp. 109–150, in Recent mammals of the world. (S. Anderson and J. K. Jones, Jr., eds.). Ronald Press, New York, 453 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krebs, J. R. 1978. Optimal foraging: decision rules for predators. Pp. 34–63, in Behavioural ecology: An evolutionary approach. (J. R. Krebs and N. B. Davies, eds.). Blackwell Science, Oxford, 694 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krebs, J. R. 1979. Foraging strategies and their social significance. Pp. 225–270, in Handbook of behavioral neurobiology. Vol. 3. (P. Marier and J. G. Vandenbergh. eds.). Plenum Press, New York, 411 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lack, A. 1978. The ecology of the flowers of the savanna tree Maranthes polyandra and their visitors, with particular reference to bats. J. Ecol., 66:287–295.

    Google Scholar 

  • LaVal, R. K., and H. S. Fitch. 1977. Structure, movements and reproduction in three Costa Rican bat communities. Occas. Pap. Mus. Nat. Hist. Univ. Kans., 69:1–27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lewontin, R. C. 1978. Fitness, survival, and optimality. Pp. 3–21, in Analysis of ecological systems. (C. H. Horn, R. Mitchell, and G. R. Stairs, eds.). Ohio State University Press, Columbus, 312 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lockwood, R., E. R. Heithaus, and T. H. Fleming. 1982. Fruit choices among free-flying captive Carollia perspicillata. J. Mammal., (in press).

    Google Scholar 

  • McCracken, G. F., and J. W. Bradbury. 1977. Paternity and genetic heterogeneity in the polygynous bat, Phyllostomus hastarus. Science, 198:303–306.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McCracken, G. F., and J. W. Bradbury. 1980. Social organization and kinship in the polygynous bat Phyllostomus hastams. Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol., 8:11–34.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKey, D. 1975. The ecology of coevolved seed dispersal systems. Pp. 159–191, in Coevolution of animals and plants. (L. E. Gilbert and P. H. Raven, eds.). University of Texas Press, Austin, 246 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Milton, K. 1979. Factors influencing leaf choice by howler monkeys: a test of some hypotheses of food selection by generalist herbivores. Am. Nat., 114:362–378.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Milton, K., D. M. Windsor, D. W. Morrison, and M. A. Estribi. 1982. Fruiting phenologies of two neotropical Ficus species. Ecology, 63:752–762.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morrison, D. W. 1978a. Foraging ecology and energetics of the frugivorous bat Artibeus jamaicen-sis. Ecology, 59:716–723.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morrison, D. W. 1978b. Lunar phobia in a Neotropical fruit bat, Artibeus jamaicensis (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae). Anim. Behav., 26:852–855.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morrison, D. W. 1978c. On the optimal searching strategy for refuging predators. Am. Nat., 112:925–934.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morrison, D. W. 1978d. Influence of habitat on the foraging distances of the fruit bat, Artibeus jamaicensis. J. Mammal., 59:622–624.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morrison, D. W. 1979. Apparent male defense of tree hollows in the fruit bat, Artibeus jamaicensis. J. Mammal., 60:11–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morrison, D. W. 1980a. Foraging and day roosting dynamics of canopy fruit bats in Panama. J. Mammal., 61:20–29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morrison, D. W. 1980b. Efficiency of food utilization by fruit bats. Oecologia, 45:270–273.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, J. E. 1965. Movements of Australian flying foxes (Pteropodidae: Megachiroptera). Aust, J. Zool., 13:53–73.

    Google Scholar 

  • Opler, P. A., G. W. Frankie. and H. G. Baker. 1980. Comparative phenological studies of treelets and shrubs in the tropical wet and dry forests in the lowlands of Costa Rica. J. Ecol., 68:167–188.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pyke, G. H., H. R. Pulliam, and E. L. Chamov. 1977. Optimal foraging: A selective review of theory and tests. Q. Rev. Biol., 52:137–154.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosevear, D. R. 1965. The bats of West Africa. Br. Mus. Nat. Hist. London. 418 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sazima, I., and M. Sazima. 1977. Solitary and group foraging: Two flower-visiting patterns of the lesser spear-nosed bat Phyllostomus discolor. Biotropica, 9:213–215.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sazima, M., and I. Sazima. 1978. Bat pollination of the passion flower, Passiflora mucronata, in southeastern Brazil. Biotropica, 10:100–109.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schoener, T. W. 1969. Models of optimal size for solitary predators. Am. Nat., 103:277–313.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schoener, T. W. 1971. Theory of feeding strategies. Ann. Rev. Ecol. Syst., 2:369–404.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, C. C. 1977. Feeding behavior and social organization in howling monkeys. Pp. 97–126, in Primate ecology: Studies of feeding and ranging behaviour in lemurs, monkeys, and apes. (T. H. Clutton-Brock, ed.). Academic Press, London, 631 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, J. D. 1976. Chiropteran evolution. Pp. 49–70, in Bats of the New World family Phyi-lostomatidae. Part I. (R. J. Baker, J. K. Jones, Jr., and D. C. Carter, eds.). Spec. Publ. Mus. Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock, 10:1-218.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smythe, N. 1970. Relationships between fruiting seasons and seed dispersal methods in a neotropical forest. Am. Nat., 104:25–35.

    Google Scholar 

  • Snow, D. W. 1976. The web of adaptations. Collins, London, 176 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Start, A. N., and A. G. Marshall. 1976. Nectarivorous bats as pollinators of trees in West Malaysia. Pp. 141–150, in Tropical trees: Variation, breeding, and conservation. Linnean Society Symposium Series No. 2. (J. Burley and B. T. Styles, eds.). Academic Press, London, 243 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stiles, F. G. 1975. Ecology, flowering phenology, and hummingbird pollination of some Costa Rican Heliconia species. Ecology, 56:285–301.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stiles, F. G. 1977. Coadapted competitors: Flowering seasons of hummingbird food plants in a tropical forest. Science, 198:1177–1178.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stiles, F. G. 1978a. Ecological and evolutionary implications of bird pollination. Am. Zool., 18:715–727.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stiles, F. G. 1978b. Temporal organization of flowering among the hummingbird foodplants of a tropical wet forest. Biotropica, 10:194–210.

    Google Scholar 

  • Struhsaker, T. T. 1978. Food habits of five monkey species in Kibale Forest, Uganda. Pp. 225–248, in Recent advances in primatoiogy. Vol. 1. (D. J. Olivers and J. Herbert, eds.). Academic Press, London. 980 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sussman, R. W., and P. H. Raven. 1978. Pollination by lemurs and marsupials: An archaic coevolu-tionary system. Science, 200:731–736.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, D. W., and M. B. Fenton. 1978. Notes on the dry season roosting and foraging behaviour of Epomophorus gambianus and Rousettus aegyptiacus (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae). J. Zool., 186:405–406.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, S. P. 1975. Metabolism during flight in two species of bats, Phyllostomus hastatus and Pteropus gouldii. J. Exp. Biol., 63:273–293.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tuttle, M. D. 1976. Collecting techniques. Pp. 71–88. in Biology of bats of the New World family Phyllostomatidae. Part I. (R. J. Baker, J. K. Jones, Jr., and D. C. Carter, eds.). Spec.Publ. Mus. Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock, 10:1–218.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Valen, L. 1979. The evolution of bats. Evol. Theory, 4:103–121.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vazquez-Yanes, C., A. Orozco, G. Francois, and L. Trejo. 1975. Observations on seed dispersal by bats in a tropícal humid region in Veracruz, Mexico. Biotropica, 7:73–76.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walker, E. P. 1964. Mammals of the world. Vol. 1. Johns Hopkins Press, Baltimore, 644 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ward, P., and A. Zahavi. 1973. The importance of certain assemblages of birds as “information centres” for food-finding. Ibis, 115:517–534.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wickler, W., and U. Seibt. 1976. Field studies of the African fruit bat, Epomophorus wahlbergi, with special reference to male calling. Z. Tierpsychol., 40:345–376.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, T. C., and J. M. Williams. 1970. Radio tracking of homing and feeding flights of a Neotropical bat, Phyllostomus hastatus. Anim. Behav., 18:302–309.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, D. E. 1973. Bat faunas: A trophic comparison. Syst. Zool., 22:14–29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, E. O. 1975. Sociobiology. Belknap Press, Cambridge, 697 pp.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, 33124, USA

    Theodore H. Fleming

Authors
  1. Theodore H. Fleming
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    Thomas H. Kunz

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1982 Plenum Publishing Corporation

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Fleming, T.H. (1982). Foraging Strategies of Plant-Visiting Bats. In: Kunz, T.H. (eds) Ecology of Bats. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-3421-7_8

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-3421-7_8

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-3423-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-3421-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation