Artibeus lituratus is one of the species of bats most adapted to the urban areas. Its diety is predominantly based on fruits, but may include nectar and leaves. Studies carried in forestal areas show that this specie prefer fruits of the genera Ficus, Cecropia and Solanum. However, in urban areas, this specie may consume several others groups of plants. Through direct observation and analysis of fecal samples and plant remains left in feeding roosts, it was possible to identify the consumption of 14 vegetal species by A. lituratus in the urban zone of Rio de Janeiro. Besides the frugivory, this study reports the first record of consumption of leaves from Albizia lebeck (Fabacea) by a neotropical bat.
Diet of Artibeus lituratus (Olfers, 1818) in urban areas in the city of Rio de Janeiro: frugivory and a new report of folivory/ Dieta de Artibeus lituratus (Olfers, 1818) em área urbana na cidade do Rio de Janeiro: frugivoria e novo registro de folivoria