The mating system of the Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana) in a large bridge colony
Date
1998-12
Authors
Keeley, Annika T. H.
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Abstract
In 1998, the mating period of the Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana) in central Texas lasted from 21 March through 5 April. Copulations were documented in large roosts (which can number in the millions), small roosts, and even temporary night roosts. Focal animal sampling at the bridge revealed multiple copulations by both males and females. Males employed two distinct copulation strategies which may function as adaptations to different roost conditions. During aggressive copulation, the male separates a female from a roost cluster, restricting her movements during mating while emitting characteristic calls. During passive copulation, the male moves very slowly onto a female roosting in a tight cluster. Copulation occurs without resistance from the female and without male vocalizations. Copulatory plugs secreted by males may serve to protect male reproductive investment. Whereas resource defense polygyny best characterizes the mating system in small captive colonies, promiscuity seems to be the mating system of the Mexican free-tailed bat in a large bridge colony based on multiple copulations by both males and females and lack of male territories and female defense.
Description
Keywords
Tadarida brasiliensis, reproduction, sexual behavior, mating
Citation
Keeley, A. T. H. (1998). The mating system of the Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana) in a large bridge colony (Unpublished thesis). Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.