Breeding and aggressive behavior among males in a colony of Nyctinomops laticaudatus (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in Mexico

In the archeological site of Uxmal, Yucatan, Mexico, Nyctinomops laticaudatus roosts in mix groups (males and females) of bats. We studied intrasexual male aggression in relation with the position of the bats in the groups; permanent males had the higher number of aggressive behaviours toward temporary and subadult males. Aggressive behaviour was more common when bats were further packed on the roosting site, and was significant higher during the breeding season compared with the non-breeding season. Females do not have a sexual preference correlated with the agonistic behaviour displayed by the males. Mate guarding was observed a few days before female acceded to copulate. Rejections by females were more common during the guarding period than during the receptive period. Copulation rate was similar for resident and temporary males.