Leptonycteris curasoae

DIAGNOSIS. Leptonycteris curasoae (Fig. 1) is smaller than its congener L. nivalis (length of forearm 54–55 mm versus 56.5– 59.5 mm). Length of the 3 phalanges of the 3rd finger of L. curasoae is on average not greater than the length of the 3rd metacarpal; it is typically greater for L. nivalis. Pelage of L. curasoae is grayish to brown and darker than the lighter pelage of L. nivalis. Uropatagium is sparsely haired with a slight fringe, compared to the nearly naked uropatagium of L. yerbabuenae. In addition, L. curasoae has a narrower uropatagium with less hair and with a few short hairs along its edge in comparison to L. nivalis (Miller 1900). Dentition is relatively heavy compared to L. yerbabuenae. Upper incisors lack a median gap, which is often present in L. yerbabuenae. Upper incisors are equally spaced in L. curasoae and more forward projecting than in L. nivalis (Miller 1900). Upper toothrow of L. curasoae is shorter with distance from the canine to the last molar usually 9.0 mm.