Talamancan yellow-shouldered bat

The bat is relatively small, with adults measuring only 6 cm (2.4 in) in head-body length, and weighing between 20 to 28 g (0.7 to 1 oz). Males are larger than females. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related highland yellow-shouldered bat, but with a more uniform dark colour, a longer, narrower, head, and larger canine teeth. The forearm has a thick coating of fur for about a third of its length, whereas there is only sparse hair on the hind feet. Other distinctive features include a notch at the tip of the tragus, and the presence of two points on each of the upper middle incisors.[2] It has a relatively simple nose-leaf, and short, pointed ears, and does not have a tail.[3]

Little is known of the bat's biology, although it is believed to breed throughout the year.[2]

First described by George Goodwin in 1938, the Talamancan yellow-shouldered bat was initially known only from Costa Rica.[3] In the 1980s, it was also discovered to inhabit Panama, but reports that it is also found in Colombia and Ecuador have since been disputed.[2]

It inhabits damp tropical forests at elevations of up to 3,000 m (9,800 ft), where it feeds on fruits such as those of Cecropia, Anthurium, Centropogon, and Musa.[2] Although formerly also found at lower elevations, recent changes in the local climate mean that it is now uncommon below about 1,250 m (4,100 ft).[4]