A New Subspecies of the Fruit-eating Bat, Sturnira ludovici, From Western Mexico

Authors present a short taxonomic study that recognizes and describes a previously unrecognized subspecies of the fruit-eating bat Sturnira ludovici from western Mexico. They designate a holotype and provide comparative diagnosis showing smaller overall and cranial size, a shorter elevated rostrum, broader skull, and generally paler dorsal and ventral pelage than the nominate subspecies. Comparisons with a sympatric Sturnira species emphasize dental and cranial distinctions. Geographic range is reported from southwestern Durango to southern Jalisco. Measurements, tables, and field notes document capture in mist nets in riparian, fruit-tree, and pine-oak habitats, and authors discuss north–south size variation and distributional limits.