About Natalus mexicanus Miller, 1902
Natalus mexicanus is a small bat species, with adults weighing only 3–5 g (0.11–0.18 oz) and forearms measuring 36–39 mm (1.4–1.5 in) long. Its back is colored pale orange-brown or yellow, while its belly is yellow. It has broad, cream-colored ears with blackish edges, pale pink facial skin, and limbs that are very long relative to its body size. Its wings are long and narrow, with pale brown flight membranes. This bat is found in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama. It does not occur at elevations above 2,400 m (7,900 ft), and most observations of the species are taken at around 300 m (980 ft). It prefers dry and semi-deciduous forests, and is occasionally encountered in conifer forests. As of 2019, Natalus mexicanus is evaluated as Least Concern by the IUCN. While its overall population trend is unknown, it is thought to at least not be declining rapidly. The species is threatened by cave disturbance from tourism and mining activities.
